The risk of drowning accidents in New York City doesn’t revolve completely around the swimmer’s ability. There are other risk factors (including weather and tide conditions, motorboat proximity, an on-duty lifeguard’s vigilance and training). However, a person’s ability to stay afloat is the chief factor in determining individual risk of severe injury or death in the water.
A study commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation found that a significant percentage of children in the United States cannot swim. That puts them at a significantly higher risk of drowning accidents. Even in relatively low-risk situations like well-monitored public pools, the inability to swim could effectively double or triple a child’s risk of severe injury and death.
And, unfortunately, many kids who can swim cannot do so well enough to protect themselves for extended periods of time.
Between 2005 and 2014 there were 3,500 fatal drowning accidents in the U.S. One-in-five of those accidents-a full 20%-involved children 14-years-old or younger.
The safety of these children falls upon the friend or lifeguard who is charged with monitoring the bathing area. Whether it’s a beach, public or private pool, the pool owner or professional lifeguard must remain alert and ready to react.
In order to prevent drowning accident in New York City, laws were created that require privately own pools to have fencing capable of keeping children out in addition to other safety features like pool alarms. Additionally, in situations where a lifeguard is employed, the lifeguard, employer and owner of the pool may all be held liable in the event of a child’s accidental drowning death.
If your child has suffered a near fatal drowning accident in New York City, a claim can be brought on behalf of your child for medical expenses and pain and suffering for the injuries associated with this terrible incident. For help navigating the complex legal procedures necessary to get a recovery, contact an experienced drowning accident lawyer in New York City today. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.