Summer will soon descend on North Jersey, sending individuals and families seeking relief from the heat to beaches and pools around the state. Certainly, summer recreation is fun and a necessary respite from the long winter months of New Jersey. But danger could be lurking in that motel pool.
Read on to learn of the dangers present in some pools (and how you can avoid them).
Beware of hazards with pool drains
Suction entrapment is a very real danger that can be prevented by regular pool maintenance. The term refers to the suction action from the closed loop of a pool’s suction system that cycles the water throughout the pool. It’s extremely strong and can suck a swimmer’s hair, limbs and even inner body parts into the system, trapping them in its underwater death grip.
These incidents are almost always fatal. Fortunately, new pools are designed with safer plumbing components, making these deaths relatively rare. But older pools and newer ones that have been poorly maintained still pose a very real risk. Make sure that your kids know better than to sit near or on or dive down to pool drains or open filtration suction points. It’s also a good idea to tie up long hair in a bun to avoid entanglement.
Property owners bear liability for pool accidents
Whether in a commercial establishment like a motel or theme park, or in a neighbor’s or friend’s backyard, a pool is considered to be an attractive nuisance. That means that it is incumbent upon property owners to keep the area fenced off and well-maintained.
Even then, serious accidents can still occur in and around swimming pools. If you or your child is injured in a pool accident this summer, learning more about New Jersey premises liability law may be helpful.
