This past week was a deadly week in terms of water accidents in parts of North Texas. Three people drowned and another one nearly drowned in lakes and swimming pools.
Details of the Drowning and Near Drowning Incidents
According to CBS-DFW, rescue crews had been busy at Lake Grapevine on Saturday after a man went missing after falling into the water not wearing a life jacket. After searching all day Saturday, without any luck, rescue teams resumed Sunday along with the Texas Game Warden and discovered the body of a 38-year-old man that afternoon.
While still searching for the missing boater Saturday, another rescue call came from Rockledge Park where the rescue team discovered a 25-year-old man who they then transported to the nearest hospital. He was listed in critical condition.
Two other incidents had also been reported to the local authorities after a four-year-old drowned in his family’s swimming pool in Arlington and another man drowned in a private Denton County lake.
Swimming Pool Safety
As the weather begins to heat up more, people will be heading out to the water; however, according to the American Red Cross, more than two hundred children drown in swimming pools each year. In order to ensure a child’s safety we must follow these safety rules:
- Make sure that everyone headed out to the water knows how to swim.
- Secure the pool with appropriate barriers
- Keep everyone ESPECIALLY children away from pool drains, and other openings.
- Ensure that there is no diving in a pool that is not deep enough
- Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Outdoor Swimming and Beach Safety
While children one- to four-years of age are at the highest risk of drowning in home swimming pools, people 15-years and older are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water.
In order to ensure safeness outdoors as well as at the beach, the U.S. Lifesaving Association recommends follow these tips.
- Wear a life jacket EVEN if you know how to swim
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Obey the posted signs and flags
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen
- If you find yourself in a current, swim WITH it, UNTIL conditions calm
- Constantly check with lifeguards
- Swim with a buddy
- Know your swimming skills, and DO NOT rely on flotation devices
- Enter water feet first
- If you notice any changing in the water be sure to LEAVE the area immediately.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a child have been injured due to the unsafe premises surrounding or inside of a swimming pool, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced accident and injury lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim. People that seek out swimming pools to relax, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors should not have to worry about their safety or the safety of their children due to the negligent actions of a property owner.
Thomas J. Henry has the legal resources and experience necessary to develop your case and ensure that you are in the best position possible to achieve the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.
