With approximately 10 million swimming pools across the country, it’s no surprise that swimming ranks as the fourth most popular recreational activity nationwide—and the most popular among children ages 7 to 17. Pools offer fun, fitness, and family memories; however, they also present serious safety hazards, particularly for young children.
Injured in a Swimming Pool Accident?
Whether at a public pool or in a backyard, accidents can happen in an instant. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children—and even nonfatal drownings can cause permanent health complications and long-term hospitalization.
Fast Facts:
- U.S. Drowning Deaths: More than 4,500 people died from drowning annually from 2020–2022—an increase of 500 deaths per year compared to 2019.
- Children at Highest Risk: In 2021, 380 children under 15 drowned—75% were under age 5.
- Older Adults: Individuals 65+ are the second most at-risk group, due to factors like mobility limitations and underlying health issues.
Source: Swimming Pool Safety & Accident Statistics
The Hidden Dangers of Swimming Pools
Swimming Pool Risk Factors
Children, especially young children, are quick. In seconds, they can be out of your sight and somewhere else. And when that somewhere else involves a pool, tragedy can strike. Children are curious, and young children don’t understand the dangers of water.
- A child can drown in less than five minutes. It takes only two inches of water, and it can happen in complete silence.
- More children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than from any other cause of death. For children ages 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
Injuries can include:
- Drowning and near-drowning incidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Spinal cord, neck, and head trauma
- Infections or recreational water illnesses
- Hypothermia and respiratory distress
Accidental drowning? Call Now.
No one expects a poolside afternoon to end in disaster. But when tragedy strikes, you need a legal team that understands your pain—and knows how to fight for your future.
Call Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Common Causes of Swimming Pool Injuries
Many pool accidents result from negligence—like unsafe construction, poor maintenance, or lack of supervision. Pool accidents can result from:
- Broken, poorly maintained, or defective pool equipment (e.g., slides, diving boards)
- Unsafe conditions like slippery surfaces or inadequate lighting
- Lack of safety barriers (e.g., fencing around pools)
- Failure to warn users of hidden hazards
- Dives into shallow water (and other dive-related injuries)
- Inadequately trained or absent pool staff
- Unsafe design or code violations
- Pool drain entrapment
- Electrocution from faulty wiring
Need More Information?
- Drowning Injuries & Related Legal Claims – Justia
- Drowning – World Health Organization
Does Premises Liability Apply to Your Swimming Pool Accident?
Under premises liability, a pool’s owner could be held liable due to negligence or failing to take proper precautions. This might include things such as:
- Lack of safety fencing or barriers to the pool or other safety measures
- Failure to mention hazards in the area, such as broken gate latches or broken glass
- Failure to maintain the pool and keep it in good repair
Source: oneinchpunch (fabio formaggio) via depositphotos.com
Premises Liability refers to the set of laws used to determine who is liable when a particular condition or use of a building, land or other premises causes an injury. Stated broadly, a pool owner’s duty is to make the pool reasonably safe for anticipated use. For instance:
- Pools open to the public are typically required to do a reasonable job in maintaining and repairing the pool so that those using it are not injured.
- When a pool is on private property, an owner’s duty is to warn swimmers of any dangers not obvious to the average person.
- When it comes to young children, owners need to prevent access to the pool so that these youngsters can’t get to the pool.
If premises liability applies, the attorneys at Nash & Franciskato will gather evidence demonstrating the responsible party knew of the hazardous conditions and did nothing to remove the danger or warn users, looking at factors including, but not limited to:
- Dangerously designed pools
- Defective/broken gates and latches
- Diving board and other swimming equipment
- Inadequate warnings, safety marks or fencing
- Drains and/or faulty valves or other defective parts in the pool
- Inadequate pool maintenance or inadequate pool lighting
- Training of pool staff and/or lifeguards
Need Additional Information?
- Swimming Pool Injuries & Premises Liability Laws – AllLaw
- Premises Liability
- Explore our blog articles on Premises Liability and Slip & Falls
Let us help you understand premises liability. Contact us at (877) 284-6600.
EXPERIENCE Matters
What we offer goes beyond experience. Our legal team is dedicated to you and helping you focus on your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, don’t wait to get the legal guidance you deserve. The team at Nash & Franciskato brings:
- Over 80 years of combined experience
- A proven track record of securing compensation for accident victims
- A free, no-obligation case evaluation
- Super Lawyers recognition for 10+ consecutive years
- Compassionate advocacy that treats clients like family
- Representation from an AV Preeminent-rated law firm
Call now: (877) 284-6600. Or contact us online for a free case review
CONTACT A KANSAS CITY Personal Injury ATTORNEY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Source: Kzenon(Arne Trautmann). via depositphotos.com
Unfortunately, young children tend to be the victims in many swimming pool accidents and when the accident results in death, no amount of compensation can ever make up for your loss. However, it is important for you and your family to understand your legal options and obtain legal advice as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence.
Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys for a free, no-obligation review of your case at (877) 284-6600.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation Review Today
Resources
- New Data Shows Child Drownings Remain High
- Drowning Prevention Improving Youth Access to Swim Lessons – CDC Foundation –
- Drowning Deaths Rise in the United States – CDC
- Swimming Pool Accidents, Injuries & Deaths – Enjuris
Source of inset photo: oneinchpunch(fabio formaggio) Image File. via depositphotos.com; Source for inset photo: Kzenon(Arne Trautmann). Image file. via depositphotos.com; Source of feature sidebar photo by Porapak Apichodilok – Image file. via pexels.com
Editor’s Note: This page was originally published on December 21, 2015. It was reviewed for content and accuracy on June 13, 2025, and was republished at that time.