Beware of swimming pool, lake accidents this summer

 Posted on June 17, 2014 in Firm News

Now that summer is in full swing, people all across Springfield will be looking for ways to stay cool and have fun as the weather continues to heat up. For many folks, a quick dip in the pool or a day out on a lake is the perfect way to accomplish this. 

Sadly, summer can be a dangerous time of year as the number of drownings and boat accidents increase during the warmer months. It can be crucial to focus on safety near water this summer, but the reality is that accidents can still happen. In fact, over the recent weekend, four children in Illinois drowned. This number is far too high and it should serve as a grim reminder of what can go wrong around water.

In order to potentially avoid similar tragedies, readers should consider taking these steps to minimize the chances of a serious accident.

While boating, residents should:

• Make sure every passenger in a boat has a life jacket
• Not drink and boat, as alcohol can impair a driver's ability to operate a watercraft safely
• Stay alert and focused to avoid collisions

At a pool, it can be important to:

• Protect swimming pools with adequate fencing
• Ensure there is proper signage regarding depth, life guards and other restrictions
• Monitor young people near a pool to make sure they do not fall in the water

These simple steps may be effective in preventing a serious boating or swimming pool accident from ruining the summer and potentially devastating a family. But unfortunately, accidents can and will continue to happen on or near water in Illinois. Victims of these events and their families may want to seriously consider speaking with an attorney after someone has been hurt in order to determine if legal action against a negligent party might be appropriate. 

Source: Liberty Voice, "Four Children Die From Downing Accidents in Chicago Suburbs," Tricia Manalansan, June 17, 2014