Pools and Trampolines are Fun But Require Close Supervision

July 25, 2017, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Back yard drownings and trampoline accidents have been featured in the news again this summer and it's worth going over the safety aspects of having these fun features in your yard.

Backyard pools must be fenced in and have a locked gate. Check your municipality for the variety and gage of fencing required along with the height requirements. All pools should be supervised at all times, particularly when you have children swimming in them, or playing in the adjacent yard. Pools are a magnet to kids, and drowning is called the silent killer as there is usually very little noise associated with someone who is drowning. Children who can swim can easily panic and drown, and weak swimmers can easily drown in only a few feet of water. Infants and toddlers can drown in less than a few inches of water.

If you entertain and have a pool you may wish to talk to your insurer about any extra liability insurance they think you may need. Upping your coverage is not generally as expensive as people fear and can help to protect you in the case of an accident or tragedy. If you decide to have your kid’s birthday or school party at the pool it is well worth hiring a qualified lifeguard to supervise the pool for an hour or two. This can help free up your time to enjoy the festivities while keeping everyone safe. Hiring a lifeguard can also make things easier if you have adults who are drinking around the pool as well.

Generally, children should not be allowed out of arm’s length distance in the pool and the Canadian Red Cross suggest the following safety tips:

Tips:

There are simple steps that families can follow to keep their backyard pools safe.

• Build a fence that has a self-closing and self-latching gate; keep the gate closed with restricted access at all times. Refer to your municipal bylaws for fencing requirements.
• Establish pool rules. These can include: swim with a buddy, children must have an adult with them at all times, and no glass containers around the pool.
• Few backyard pools are safe for diving - swimmers should always enter the water feet-first.
• Have readily accessible reaching or throwing assists, a working phone and first aid kit.
• Have an Action Plan including adult supervision, an emergency signal, safety equipment and emergency procedures.
• Keep the deck clear of toys and debris.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs in or around the pool.
• Small on-ground portable or kiddie pools should be emptied when not in use. Above-ground pools should have the ladder or steps removed when not in use.
• Hot tubs should not exceed 104° F or 40° C and are not recommended for pregnant women, toddlers or infants.

Active adult supervision is of the utmost importance - never leave your child unattended, not even for a second.

• Lifejackets or PFDs should be worn by weak or non-swimmers, but they are not substitutes for supervision by an adult with good swimming skills, or a lifeguard.
• Enroll your children in Red Cross swimming lessons.
• Adults who are weak swimmers should also take lessons, and have first aid training.
• Take your children with you if you have to leave the pool for any reason.

Pick the best time of the day to swim. Avoid swimming at night and in stormy weather.

• The best time to swim is during the daytime. If there is thunder or lightning, stay out of the pool.
• Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 even on cloudy days, and reapply every 3-4 hours.
• Wear a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and light clothing to cover your skin whenever possible.

Trampolines are a controversial backyard activity as there are many injuries every year associated with them. The jumping is fun and it looks easy. Dangers to spine and neck are high, and according to the Canada Safety Council there are about 50 Trampoline injuries a year in Eastern Ontario. Children 5-14 are most likely to hurt themselves after trying to flip or do stunt jumps. Often, they fall off the trampoline or collide with other people on the trampoline. In most cases there is no direct parental supervision when an accident happens.

Safety tips:

• Make sure the equipment is safe
• Set it up away from other structures, trees or play equipment
• Inspect it before each use
• Do not allow children under 6 to use them
• Do not leave ladders adjacent to them that could allow young kids to climb on unnoticed
• Do not allow unsupervised use
• Only allow one person at a time on the trampoline
• Do not allow chairs, bikes, balls or other toys on the trampoline. They are for people only
• Do not allow flips or somersaults
• Do not allow people to jump on or off a trampoline

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

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