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Swimming pools offer a refreshing escape from Arizona’s scorching heat. Residents and visitors alike flock to these oases for relaxation and recreation. However, the enjoyment of pools comes with inherent risks. 

Understanding swimming pool accident statistics helps pool owners, swimmers, and parents take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.

Swimming Pool Accident Statistics

National statistics paint a concerning picture of swimming pool safety. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an average of 358 pool- or spa-related fatal drownings per year involving children under 15 years old between 2019 and 2021 [1]. 

Additionally, an estimated 6,500 pool- or spa-related, hospital emergency department-treated, nonfatal drowning injuries occur annually among children under 15 between 2021 and 2023 [1].

The Arizona Department of Health Services reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for Arizona children between ages 1 and 4 [2]. This underscores our state’s critical need for heightened awareness and safety measures.

Comparing Arizona to national averages reveals the magnitude of the issue of deaths due to drowning. 

While the national drowning rate is 1.31 deaths per 100,000 people, Arizona’s rate stands at 1.42 deaths per 100,000 [3]. This higher rate emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the specific risks in our state.

Drowning Risk for Children

Children, particularly those under 5 years old, face the highest risk of drowning in swimming pools:

• Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1–4 [2].
• Children under 5 account for 75% of child drowning deaths and 77% of nonfatal drowning injuries [4].
• From 2019 to 2021, an average of 358 children under 15 fatally drowned in pools or spas annually [1].
• Approximately 6,500 children visit emergency rooms for pool-related injuries each year [1].
  

Factors Impacting Drowning Risk

Six main factors contribute to the likelihood of swimming pool accidents.

Age and Gender: 

• Children aged 1–4 years account for 51.4% of pool deaths, and children aged 5–9 years account for 33.9% of pool deaths [5]. 
• Males under 15 are twice as likely to be involved in fatal drowning incidents compared to females [6].

Location

• 80% percent of child drownings occur in a residential pool with an adult present [7].
• For children under 5, 87% percent of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs [7].

Supervision

• Lack of supervision is a critical factor, with 87% of drownings in Arizona attributed to inadequate supervision [8].

Safety Measures

• Proper four-sided fencing can reduce drowning risk by 83% compared to pools with inadequate fencing [9].
• Bystander CPR is performed in 91.3% of cases in public pools but only 68.6% in private pools [10].

Alcohol Use

• Alcohol is a factor in up to 70% of water-related deaths among teens and adults [9].

Racial Disparities

• For swimming pool deaths, African American children aged 5–19 drown at rates 5.5 times higher than white children [5].

Common Types of Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents encompass various accidents, each with its own set of risks and potential injuries.

• Drowning and near-drowning accidents: Drowning and near-drowning accidents top the list of swimming pool accidents. These events can occur quickly and silently, often resulting in severe consequences. The Phoenix Fire Department reported 34 drowning incidents involving children aged 0-5 in Maricopa and Pinal counties in 2022 and 14 in 2023 [11].
• Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall accidents frequently occur around pool areas. Wet surfaces create hazardous conditions, leading to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or head trauma.
• Diving accidents: Diving accidents, particularly in shallow water or improperly marked pools, can result in spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. These accidents often stem from misjudging water depth or diving into unfamiliar pools.
• Entrapment accidents: Entrapment accidents, though less common, pose significant risks. These incidents involve swimmers, especially children, getting caught in pool drains or other suction openings. Entrapment can lead to drowning or severe injuries to limbs and internal organs.

Risk Factors for Swimming Pool Accidents

Several factors contribute to the likelihood of swimming pool accidents. Understanding these risk factors helps in implementing effective prevention strategies.

Age groups most at risk include young children and teenagers. Children under 5 face the highest risk of drowning, accounting for 75% of pool- or spa-related fatal drownings among children [4]. 

Teenagers, who often overestimate their swimming abilities, also face significant risks.

Environmental factors play an important role in pool safety. Poor lighting, slippery surfaces, and inadequate pool maintenance increase accident risks. In Arizona, the extended pool season due to warm weather prolongs exposure to these risks.

Lack of proper safety measures significantly contributes to pool accidents. Absence of pool fences, lack of supervision, and insufficient safety equipment all increase the likelihood of accidents.

Legal Implications of Swimming Pool Accidents in Arizona

Swimming pool accidents often involve complex legal considerations. Understanding these implications helps victims and their families navigate the aftermath of an accident.

Premises liability laws in Arizona hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions. Pool owners must ensure their pools meet safety standards and take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents.

Negligence claims arise when pool owners or operators fail to fulfill their duty of care. The negligence may include inadequate supervision, failure to maintain safety equipment, or lack of proper warning signs.

Wrongful death suits are filed in cases of fatal drownings. These lawsuits seek compensation for the loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing swimming pool accidents requires a multi-faceted approach involving proper equipment, supervision, and education.

Pool safety equipment forms the first line of defense. Proper fencing, pool covers, and anti-entrapment drain covers significantly reduce accident risks. The Arizona Revised Statutes require residential pools to have at least one safety barrier [12].

Proper supervision remains vital in preventing pool accidents. The presence of a designated “water watcher” who maintains constant visual contact with swimmers can prevent many accidents.

Swimming lessons and water safety education play vital roles in accident prevention. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children as young as 1 year old [13].

To reduce the risk of swimming pool accidents:

• Ensure constant adult supervision within arm’s reach of non-swimmers.
• Install proper fencing and safety barriers around pools.
• Enroll children in year-round swim programs.
• Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.
• Avoid alcohol use around water.

Steps To Take After a Swimming Pool Accident

Immediate actions following a swimming pool accident can significantly impact the outcome and any potential legal claims.

First, ensure the safety of the victim and others in the area. Call emergency services immediately if needed. Remove the person from the water, and begin CPR if necessary and you are trained.

Documenting the accident thoroughly helps in potential legal proceedings. Take photos of the accident scene, gather witness statements, and keep records of all medical treatments.

Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, particularly those related to near-drowning incidents, may not be immediately apparent.

How The Sorenson Law Firm Can Help

The Sorenson Law Firm has extensive experience in handling swimming pool accident cases in Arizona. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and the emotional toll they take on victims and their families.

We offer comprehensive legal services for swimming pool accident victims. These services include:

• Thorough investigation of the accident.
• Gathering and analyzing evidence.
• Negotiating with insurance companies.
• Representing clients in court if necessary.

Our firm’s experience in premises liability and personal injury law positions us to effectively advocate for our clients’ rights and seek fair compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a swimming pool accident, contact The Sorenson Law Firm for initial consultation. Our team stands ready to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Final Thoughts

Swimming pool accidents in Arizona present significant risks, particularly to young children. Understanding the statistics, common types of accidents, and legal implications empowers pool owners and users to take necessary precautions. 

By implementing proper safety measures, maintaining vigilant supervision, and promoting water safety education, we can work toward reducing the number of pool-related accidents in our state. 

In the unfortunate event of an accident, knowing the steps to take and seeking professional legal assistance can help victims and their families deal with the aftermath and seek appropriate compensation.

Sources:

[1] https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/CPSC-New-Drowning-Report-Shows-Increase-in-Child-Fatalities

[2] https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/womens-childrens-health/injury-prevention/drowning-prevention/index.php

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/index.html

[4] https://www.poolsafely.gov/2024/07/11/new-data-shows-child-drownings-remain-high

[5] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6319a2.htm

[6] https://www.poolsafely.gov/2017/10/18/know-the-facts-drowning-deaths-and-injuries-by-gender/

[7] https://www.stopdrowningnow.org/drowning-statistics/

[8] https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/prevention/womens-childrens-health/reports-fact-sheets/child-fatality-review-annual-reports/cfr-annual-report-2024.pdf

[9] https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/risk-factors/index.html

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5778258/

[11] https://www.phoenix.gov/firesite/Documents/Phoenix-Drowning-Stats.pdf

[12] https://www.azleg.gov/ars/36/01681.htm

[13] https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/swim-lessons.aspx