Swimming pool accidents in New York City can happen in the blink of an eye. Children are at the highest risk: 1 in 5 victims of accidental drowning in New York are 14 years old or younger. (Nationwide nearly 2,700 children 14 and under suffer from near drowning incidents every year.)
The Danger of Swimming Pools in New York
There are over 7,400 public swimming pools in New York State, not counting privately owned backyard pools or pools in hotels and health clubs in New York City. Nationwide accidental drowning claims the lives of 10 people every day. 20% of drowning survivors suffer severe permanent neurological disability.
Many (if not all) of the unnecessary deaths caused by swimming pool accidents in New York City are caused by the lack professional supervision (lifeguards), broken or missing safety equipment (floatation devices), and improper safeguards (working pool alarms, etc.).
How to Prevent Accidental Drowning Accidents in New York
The Centers for Disease Control recommends these four steps to prevent drowning and near drowning accidents in New York.
•1) Always have adults present who have life-saving skills (the ability to swim and perform CPR)
•2) Fence all pools off (also required by state and local laws)
•3) Use life jackets on all children (even those who know how to swim)
•4) Always be alert!
Swimming Pool Law in New York
Several New York laws and City statutes were created to help prevent tragic swimming pool accidents. Such as:
•· Have fences high enough to prevent entry into the pool area
•· Use pool alarms to notify adults if a gate is open or someone enters the water
•· Having reliable safety equipment on hand
If any of these precautions are absent, the owner of the pool may be responsible for a victim’s injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drowning or near drowning incident, contact an expert New York City swimming pool accident attorney to learn your rights. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at or 212-385-1122 to get the compensation you deserve.