Homeowners in South Carolina who have swimming pools should be aware of certain safety responsibilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 7.4 million swimming pools in the United States as well as 5 million hot tubs. The CDC also reports that 3,356 fatalities resulting from accidental non-boating drowning take place in the nation every year. For every child who is younger than 14 years old and dies from drowning, an additional five more children will have to receive some form of emergency medical care for nonfatal submersion.
Installing an alarm and a climb-resistant pool fence can help reduce some of the potential hazards. The two devices can prevent and warn off small children attempting to enter the pool without supervision as well as kids from the neighborhood who may sneak in.
In order for a pool fence to be considered safe, the space between its vertical slats should not exceed 4 inches. Furthermore, the fence should be at least 4 feet in height and have a self-closing gate with a latch that is out of the reach of children. A safe pool fence should also not provide any easy handholds or footholds for climbing and should be kept away from items, such as outside furniture, which can be used to aid in climbing the fence.
If a pool accident does occur, a personal injury attorney may be able to hold the negligent parties liable for injuries sustained. Homeowners and other property owners may be pursued for financial damages for slip-and-fall accidents or drowning accidents that occurred due to hazardous conditions, such as inadequate lighting, inadequate security, wet floors and more.