Pool and Spa Drownings
Summer is a time for swimming, barbecues, and backyard fun—but it also brings increased risk when it comes to pool and spa safety, as highlighted by a recent tragic accident at Hersheypark. A new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shared that drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional death for young children, especially those under the age of 5. For property owners, these statistics underscore the serious legal—and moral—responsibility to ensure that pools and spas are safe.
The Latest Data on Drowning Injuries and Fatalities
According to the report, an estimated 6,300 children under age 15 were treated in emergency departments each year from 2022 through 2024 for nonfatal drowning injuries related to pools or spas. Of these, 44% required hospitalization or transfer to another facility—a staggering number compared to the 4% hospitalization rate for all other consumer product-related injuries in that age group.
Tragically, an annual average of 357 fatal child drownings occurred between 2020 and 2022, with the vast majority—79%—involving children under the age of 5. These are more than statistics. Each number represents a child whose life was cut short and a family forever changed.
Why This Matters for Homeowners and Property Managers
From a legal standpoint, pool and spa safety is not optional—it’s a duty. Homeowners, landlords, HOAs, and commercial property managers must take all reasonable precautions to prevent access by unsupervised children. This includes:
- Installing and maintaining proper fencing and self-latching gates
- Using pool alarms and safety covers
- Clearly marking depth changes and prohibiting diving in shallow areas
- Ensuring lifesaving equipment is readily available
- Providing adequate supervision during swim times
If you or a loved one has been injured on a property where you believe the owner was negligent to their required duty of care, consider speaking with someone at a top Philadelphia premises liability law firm. Contact us to set a time to meet and discuss the unique details of your situation.