BLOG

Water is one of the most dangerous things that surrounds us. Most people don’t recognize the dangers that water poses. More than a dozen people in Southwest Florida drowned recently. Their deaths could have been avoided. If your friend or relative was a victim of drowning, contact a personal injury attorney in Florida. He or she might be able to help you get justice.

One tragic case of drowning involved a mother and her two children. They drowned in a car after it drove into a retention pond in Immokalee. There was a vigil for the victims. Another tragic drowning occurred in Lake Okeechobee. It was reported by the Palm Beach Post. According to the news outlet, a fisherman drowned during a Lake O tournament. The waters were very cold. Several layers of cold-weather clothing worn by the victim didn’t prevent his death. His body was found near Clewiston.

Several more drowning deaths made headlines in Florida. A 45-year-old woman drowned in the North Fort Myers marina. Two toddlers of age two drowned in swimming pools – one in Immokalee and the other in Cape Coral. There was some good news as well. A two-year-old girl was saved from drowning in a retention pond at an apartment complex in Punta Gorda.

Facts About Swimming Pool Safety Regulations in Southwest Florida

According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, there are more than 1 million unground swimming pools in Florida. This is three times more than any other state, except California. Swimming pool safety is regulated by the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (F.S. 515). The regulations were tightened in 2000 when drowning became the leading cause of death for young children in Florida.

The regulations require swimming pools to be installed with a gated fence barrier, a pool cover, or exit alarms on windows and doors that are used to access the pool area. For pool safety tips, contact the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA). For more information about pool regulations, contact a personal injury attorney in Florida.

Drowning Prevention in Open Waters

Boating is a dangerous hobby. There have been several fatal boating accidents recently. To reduce the chance of injury, boaters should complete a safety course and take safety equipment with them. The boat should have life jackets for each passenger. Wear the vests and avoid alcohol while boating. Also, don’t go boating when the weather is bad. Another recommendation is to tell friends or family members when you expect to return.

Most people drown within 10 to 30 feet of safety. Don’t underestimate the risk of drowning when you are close to the shoreline. Here’s a surprising fact: according to the NDPA, most people that drown never intended to go into the water. It’s an unexpected result. A day of boating is tiring, and the condition of the body is considered intoxicated by the law. If you fall into the water, you might not get out. Plan for the unexpected before leaving the harbor.