The Law Firm of Stewart J. Guss knows that spring is just around the corner, and that means home renovations and upgrades – one of the most common ones, being a pool. While pools can be fun – and a great addition to a home, they can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safely Campaign, from 2014-2016, there were an average of 5,900 emergency room admissions in children younger than 15 with nonfatal injuries associated with pool or spa submersions. Unfortunately, most of these incidents involve a child younger than 5.
More than 4,000 children under 5 years of age require emergency department admission for pool and spa related nonfatal injuries each year, with the majority of these children are between 1 and 3 years of age.
According to the CPSC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1-4. Warm weather states like Florida, Arizona and Texas lead the nation with the highest number of fatal child drownings each year. In 2017, Florida experienced 51 fatal child drownings and both Arizona and Texas experienced 25, according to media reported fatal drowning data compiled by the USA Swimming Foundation.
Shockingly, in 2016, Texas experienced 40 child drownings, as well as Florida. Texas and Florida both having the highest number of child drownings in the nation.
The Law Firm of Stewart J. Guss has partnered with PoolSafely to bring attention to the most important aspects of pool safety:
- Designating a Water Watcher every single time children in your care are in or near the water.
- Make sure kids know how to swim.
- If you are a parent or guardian, learn CPR. Learn more about CPR classes through the Red Cross.
- Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use.
- Ensure all permanent pools have a proper fence, gate, and safety drain covers.
The Law Firm of Stewart J. Guss wants to see a decrease in these terrible incidents – and help save lives. Attorney Guss knows that summers in Houston are hot, and a pool is the perfect remedy – but safety is paramount. These simple steps will go miles in helping keep you and those you love safe – and having fun – this summer.
We’ve taken their Pledge, and hope that you will do the same!
