Tips to Avoid Electrocutions Around Pools
During the summer, staying cool and having fun are priorities. Whether going to the beach or lake, jumping in a pool, or going to a waterpark, having fun in the water is always a favorite summertime activity. However, when swimming in a public pool or spa, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Red Cross warn that electrocution is a hazard that swimmers should know about. While not the most common pool-related injury, there have been several reports of deaths and serious shock injuries that have been reported in and around swimming pools across the country.
When swimming in a pool area, it is recommended that pool owners have an emergency plan that is clearly visible so that should an electrical shock happen, anyone in the pool area will know what to do to render them aid. Quick action in a scenario where an electrical shock occurs in water is essential to minimize the chances of drowning and to protect others from the dangers of electrical energy around the pool.
If you or someone you know suffered an electrocution injury in a pool at a waterpark or a public pool, then you may be able to secure financial compensation for the losses you suffered. The South Jersey personal injury attorney at Monaco Law PC can discuss your injury accident and what legal options you may consider for obtaining compensation.
Safety Tips to Prevent Pool Electrocutions
It is usually thought that drowning from an inability to swim is the only peril that exists when getting in the pool to swim. As a result, using inflatable floatation devices and various floats is one way to reduce that risk. Another critical action is keeping an eye on young children when near a pool. However, electrocution in and around the pool is another thing to be aware of.
The way to minimize pool electrocution is to follow these tips from the CPSC:
- Locate electrical switches and circuit breakers that operate electrical components of the pool and learn how to turn them off quickly if an emergency arises.
- New Pools or pools that are being upgraded should be installed by a licensed electrician who specializes in pool work and knows both the applicable codes and the National Electric Code (NEC).
- Do not swim during a thunderstorm, after one, or right before one.
- When installing GFCIs, electricians should follow NEC requirements.
- Perform monthly tests of GFCIs.
- When possible, choose battery-operated appliances over electronics that need to be connected by a cord near a pool.
- Have an emergency plan for electrocution and place it near the pool for swimmers and others to see.
Failure to maintain a pool or neglecting to follow safety protocols and local codes when working with electrical units in and around pools can mean an increased risk of electrocution for individuals swimming in or hanging around near a pool. Working with knowledgeable electricians, having a safety plan for electrocution visible, and knowing how to turn off the electricity if an emergency situation comes about are all critical actions to reduce the chances that anyone is harmed on what should be a fun pool day.
Speak to a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today
To schedule a free consultation after an electrocution accident at a pool, please call our seasoned and experienced South Jersey personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC at (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our office in Pennsylvania.
We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Bucks County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Chester County, Cumberland County, Delaware County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Ocean County, Salem County, and all of South Jersey.
Source:
cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2003/Dont-Swim-With-Shocks-CPSC-American-Red-Cross-Warn-of-Electrocutions-in-Swimming-Pools-Hot-Tubs-and-Spas
