If you have visited the Outer Banks, NC then you are probably familiar with the number of pools that are provided when renting a home. A pool in the backyard is a common sight in towns such as Duck, Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores. Most pools are exceptionally maintained and have the proper safety precautions in place.
The month of May is National Pool Safety Month. According to Mecklenburg County, NC Health Department, “Drowning is one of the leading causes of childhood injury related deaths nationwide.” Distraction comes in all forms taking our attention away so quickly and children can drown within just a few seconds. Chatting with other adults, talking on the phone or reading a book poolside can pull our much needed attention away while children are swimming. Designate a “water watcher” which is someone who is appointed to watch the swimming children within a period of time. Rotating this watch keeps a fresh set of eyes on the activities.
When renting a house with a pool check with the rental agency to make sure the pool has a four-sided fence with a self-closing and self-locking gate. Children are curious by nature and will venture out to a pools edge when it is least expected. Hot tubs should be covered and/or locked when not in use.
Preparing for a vacation takes time and energy and the eagerness to “get there” sometimes puts us in the vacation mindset before we arrive. Take time to get a CPR certification. Contact your local health department or hospital to find a CPR class near you. Being able to perform CPR immediately can prevent brain damage and death. The time between the incident and when the paramedics arrive are paramount. Enroll your child in swimming lessons if they do not know how to swim. Your local YMCA should provide lessons for all ages.
Accidents and injuries can ruin a vacation and a lifetime. Prepare your family for the vacation that you dream about and become knowledgeable about the home you are renting.
Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia, with offices in northeast NC and Virginia Beach (VA), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. The firm’s website is: hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits three injury law blogs: Virginia Beach Injuryboard & Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects.
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