The summer swimming season hasn't even begun, and already this year the Orange County Fire Authority has responded to at least 14 California drowning accidents in South County. 4 of the incidents have resulted in fatalities.
Recent incidents include two child drowning accidents over the Memorial Day weekend. One of the children, Conner Hanson, 1, was found in an Aliso Viejo residential pool. He later died from his drowning injuries. In another tragic South County drowning accident, San Juan Capistrano resident Drew Dismang died last month after a fell into a pool.
The OFCA reports that a common factor in all of these drowning accidents was inadequate supervision of the pool. The OFCA plans to launch its water safety campaign in June, which will include safety tips for parents.
Last month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued its latest report on child drowning injuries and deaths in pools and spas:
• In the under 5 age group, 300 children drown in pools and spas each year.
• 2/3rds of these fatalities involve kids ages 1-2.
• 80% of these deaths usually happen in residential pools.
• 3,000 kids are injured badly enough that they require medical attention.
• Often, non-fatal injuries that occur in pools and spas can still result in catastrophic, permanent injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.
• Inadequate supervision is a leading cause of child drowning accidents.
• Between 1999 and 2008, there were 83 reports of spa and pool entrapment accidents resulting in 69 injuries and 11 fatalities.
It is the responsibility of the pool owner and/or supervisor to make sure that a pool is safe for users. This can include making sure there is a lifeguard or another experienced adult in the area, there are gates around the pool to prevent kids from entering the water when there is no one around, or that rescue equipment is nearby in the event that someone drowns or gets hurt in the water.
For kids in California ages 1 - 4, drowning is a leading cause of accidental deaths. There are thousands of pools in residences and public premises throughout this sunny state.
Child and adult have drowned in South County pools this week, OC Register, May 29, 2009
Facts About Drowning, WestCov.org
Related Web Resources:
Pool Safety
New report on Child Drownings and Near-Drownings in Pools and Spas, (PDF)
You may be entitled to file a California premises liability or wrongful death lawsuit if you or someone you love was seriously injured in an Orange County, California drowning accident.
Contact our Anaheim personal injury law firm and ask for your free consultation.
