The summer–and the Fourth of July, in particular, is the perfect time for barbecues, pool parties, and warm, late nights outside. If you are having your friends and family over for a pool party or barbecue, it is important you know the proper swimming pool rules and regulations. If you are someone who has been injured in a swimming pool accident due to another party’s negligence, here are some questions you may have:
How do I know if I am eligible to receive compensation following a swimming pool accident?
Essentially, in order to receive compensation following a swimming pool accident, you must first be able to prove the other party’s negligence. There are several swimming pool rules and regulations in place designed to ensure the safety of all who wish to swim. However, if you can prove another party neglected their responsibility to fulfill these requirements and you were injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
What are some swimming pool rules and regulations?
If you own a pool, it is your responsibility to ensure it is in working condition and safe for all parties. Here are some of the things you can do to make your pool a safer place:
- Install all proper barriers, alarms, and covers in and around the pool area
- Have “wet floor” and other hazard warning signs ready to go. While you may not think it necessary, if someone were to slip and fall on your pool deck and was injured as a result, you may be held responsible if you did not previously warn the injured party
- If your pool does not have a safe diving area, you must inform all parties that diving is prohibited. Diving headfirst can be extremely dangerous if there is no diving area in your pool
- Never leave children in the pool unattended, even for just a second
- Learn how to perform CPR–you never know when it may come in handy
- If your pool has a portable ladder, be sure to put it away if the pool is not in use. Pools very often attract small children who do not know how to swim, and if you are not watching, it may result in a tragedy
How do I prove the other party’s negligence?
If another party failed to fulfill any of the responsibilities mentioned above and you were injured as a result, there is a very good chance you will recover compensation, which may be used to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more. However, you will have to satisfy the burden of proof first. One of the most effective ways in doing so is by taking a picture or video of the incident or its aftermath, if possible. A picture is worth a thousand words, and if you or someone who witnessed the incident was able to capture it on film, it will greatly improve your chances of recovering compensation.
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