Common Causes of Slip & Fall Injuries at Pools

Jumping in the pool can be a great way to beat the summer heat, but it’s important to always prioritize safety around any body of water. The neighborhood pool might seem safe at first glance, but countless injuries occur every year in and around pools! By being aware of potential hazards, you can avoid being injured in a pool-related slip and fall accident. In this article, we discuss some of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents at pools and how you can keep yourself safe.  

Pervasive Risks Inherent to Swimming Pools

Not surprisingly, wet pool decks are one of the leading causes of slip and fall incidents at pools. Improper drainage or inadequate cleaning can leave the pool deck slick, especially near the pool’s entrances and exits. If a pool is not created with materials that have slip resistance, the risk of taking a nasty tumble increases significantly. 
In some cases, poor maintenance policies can put people in danger. Uneven surfaces like cracked concrete, chipped tiles, or loose pool coping stones can become tripping hazards, especially for young children and elderly patrons. Failure to perform prompt repairs and keep the facility safe can lead to a premises liability lawsuit. If you or a loved one were harmed by a facility’s unsafe premises, an experienced personal injury lawyer might be able to help determine your legal options. 
In some cases, pools may not have crucial safety features, such as non-slip mats near entrances or grab rails along walkways. These adaptations allow young children, elderly patrons, and people with mobility limitations to enjoy the pool. 

Unsafe Pool Equipment & Accessories 

Pool ladders and steps with missing treads, loose handrails, or a wobbly construction can become very slick and treacherous when wet. Regular inspection and maintenance of critical pool infrastructure goes a long way towards preventing falls. At the same time, property managers should ensure that ladders are installed at a proper height. Ladders that are too high or low can become a tripping hazard for people entering or exiting the pool. 
Some pools may include a diving board or slide, even if the pool is not deep enough to safely integrate such features. Diving boards or slides installed in a shallow pool increase the risk of someone accidentally hitting their head on the bottom of the pool, which can pose a serious or even deadly threat to pool patrons. Inadequate warning signs about depth or proper usage, slippery surfaces, or faulty construction of slides or diving boards can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including slip and fall accidents. 
Another oft-overlooked hazard is that of the common pool cover. Pool covers that are not appropriately secured or that have tears in them can pose a significant hazard, especially if someone runs over them. Small children are at particularly high risk, as they may slip and fall into the pool and become trapped beneath the pool cover. To protect the safety of pool patrons, pool covers should be properly maintained and secured to prevent incidents. 

Water and Chemical Hazards

Water tends to gather at specific spots of the pool deck, particularly around entrances and exits. Proper drainage around the perimeter of the pool can help reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents due to slippery flooring. While puddles of water are the major issue to watch out for, pool chemicals can also be slippery if spilled or leaked. Safe handling and storage of chemicals is crucial to prevent accidents. The pool manager should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and use of pool-cleaning chemicals. 

Lack of Supervision and Safety Policies

Trained lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring safety at public pool facilities. Having lifeguards present deters unsafe behavior and allows for quick, professional rescues if a swimmer gets into trouble. As part of having a properly managed pool facility, there should be clearly posted rules and regulations about the premises. It should be clear that dangerous behavior, such as running around the pool or diving into shallow areas, is not allowed. Setting and enforcing reasonable rules keeps everyone safer.

Environmental Factors That Can Cause Slips

High humidity or rain can make a pool deck or walkway more slippery than usual. When patrons are using the pool during inclement weather, it’s essential that they take extra caution to avoid injury. Proper signage warning of increased slipperiness during certain weather conditions may be appropriate.
Inadequate lighting around the pool can limit visibility and make it difficult to see potential hazards, particularly at nighttime. Proper pool lighting should adequately illuminate entrances, exits, walkways, and the actual pool itself. At the same time, pathways leading up to the pool area should be maintained. Uneven surfaces, loose gravel, damaged railings, and crumbling steps can all cause someone to lose their balance and fall down. Proactively addressing potential hazards keeps everyone safe.
By recognizing common poolside hazards and doing your best to avoid them, you can avoid taking a tumble and enjoy the summer festivities with confidence!