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As The Heat Rises, Pool Accidents Become More Common

Florida is a big state, full of diversity from top to bottom. And no matter where you are within its borders, there's one thing that will be a constant this summer – the heat. Florida isn't called the Sunshine State for nothing, and this year there likely to be more than a few swelteringly hot days. Beating the heat is something we all want to do, and pools offer a reprieve from the summer heat.

Of course, pools also create a risk that is very real. Florida has more drownings of children under five than any other state in the country, and one out of every five drowning victims is under the age of five years old. Drownings aren't the only risk associated with swimming pools – there are numerous other types of injuries that can occur from them including:

  • Diving board accidents

  • Slip and fall injuries on the perimeter of the pool

  • Injuries caused by the pool drain

  • Electrocution


In some cases, alcohol plays a factor in accidents. In other cases, a lack of supervision leads to injuries. No matter the specific underlying cause, these accidents can be incredibly serious and lead to numerous injuries including:

  • Death

  • Permanent brain damage

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Back injuries

  • Paralysis

  • Broken bones

  • And more


Simply put, pools are great fun when enjoyed safely, but can present some significant hazards if not treated with the respect that they deserve. That's why Florida laws are so strict regarding swimming pools and safety. If you have been injured or lost a loved one to a pool related accident, there is a chance that you can seek financial compensation for your loss or your injuries.

Under Florida law, swimming pools are considered an 'attractive nuisance'. This means that the property owner is at fault for any injuries if they don't take serious precautions related to their swimming pool and the safety of the community. According to the law, any pools built after 2000 are required to meet the following safety standards.

  • Must have a four foot barrier or taller surrounding the pool

  • Must have locking devices on all gates and doors accessing the pool

  • Must have self-closing entrances

  • Must have alarms on all windows and doors with access to the pool

  • Must have an approved cover


If any of these rules are broken, the grounds for a lawsuit exists regardless of other factors. For example, if the fence around the pool is only 3 feet high or if a gate has no lock on it and a neighbor's child trespasses onto someone's property and drowns, the property owner is still to blame. Only if all the safety regulations are met will there be no way to seek compensation.

There are other safety issues that could bring about the grounds for compensation. Things like placing extension cords too close to the pool, installing a diving board in a pool that is too shallow for diving, and other similar issues are all potential causes of injuries that could be grounds for a lawsuit.

As the heat outside increases, the use of pools is going to rise as well. It's important to stay safe out there and to understand the laws about swimming pool related injuries so you know what steps you can take if an accident does occur.