Sean | June 2, 2023
Are Pool Alarms Effective in Preventing Child Drowning?
Drowning is one of the most common causes of death in children. From the ages of one to four, more children die from drowning than any other cause of death. From age 5 to 14, drowning is still the second most common cause of death.
Children are at high risk of drowning around pools. Adults should always supervise children, but sometimes, accidents happen. For this reason, pool alarms can provide another layer of protection to help avoid injuries and fatalities.
What Is a Pool Alarm and How Does It Work?
A pool alarm is an alarm that notifies you when someone or something has entered the pool. When children, pets, or anyone susceptible to falls and drowning are around a pool, it’s best to have a pool alarm.
Pool alarms use sensors that detect when someone or something has entered the pool. The exact way a pool alarm works depends on the type of alarm installed.
A pool alarm is typically simple to install, budget-friendly, and easily adjusted to your needs. With the peace of mind a pool alarm can provide, there is little excuse for pool owners not to get one.
Different Types of Pool Alarms
There are four types of pool alarms — surface wave detection alarms, subsurface detection alarms, threshold alarms, and wearable alarms.
A surface wave detection alarm is placed inside the pool and stays afloat on the surface. If there are any disturbances in the pool, like waves, ripples, or splashes, the alarm sounds.
A subsurface detection alarm sits at the edge of the pool but extends into the water to detect disturbances beneath the surface. These alarms are much more sensitive, making them slightly more reliable than surface wave detection alarms.
A threshold alarm is installed if a pool owner has a safety gate around their pool. If the gate separates and opens, the alarm sounds.
Finally, a wearable device is worn by a child or loved one and alerts you if they’ve entered the water. These devices are usually only good for short-term use, as they are not permanent like other alarms.
The type of pool alarm a pool owner should choose depends on their circumstances. While these alarms may seem like overkill to some, they can save lives.
While Not Foolproof, a Pool Alarm Can Help Prevent Drowning
Like most things, pool alarms are not perfect. It would be foolish to rely solely on a pool alarm to prevent drownings. While these devices can significantly help avoid harmful and even fatal accidents, they can only do so much. They should never completely take the place of proper supervision.
Keeping a watchful eye on children is always the best form of protection. Pool alarms should only be viewed as complementary.
Swimming Pool Accidents Can Lead to Lawsuits
Owning a pool comes with certain responsibilities. Therefore, pool owners should always strive to keep their pool area safe in an attempt to prevent accidents. All it takes is a few minutes for a child to fall into a pool and suffer harm or drown.
If your loved one has sustained injuries in a swimming pool accident, you may have a personal injury case. If your child has died after an accidental drowning, an attorney can determine whether you have a viable wrongful death claim for compensation.
Pool accidents are often preventable, especially with the right supervision and safety equipment. Unfortunately, accidents still happen. If your child has suffered harm or died after a pool accident, an accident attorney can provide proper guidance.
Contact Our Premises Liability Law Firm – Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
An experienced St. Petersburg premises liability lawyer will have the resources to investigate the claim and gather evidence, including hiring expert witnesses to assist with the case. Your St. Petersburg injury attorney will handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovering and healing from a traumatic event.
Contact a St. Petersburg product liability lawyer at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys and schedule a free case review today.
Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015
