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Avoiding Pool Injuries This Summer in South Florida

With Memorial Day around the corner, it’s time for Boca Raton’s renowned pool parties and fun in the sun! While relaxing with friends by the pool is a great way to beat the South Florida summer heat, it’s important to remember that pools can also be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, there are more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths in the United States. Florida has one of the highest unintentional drowning rates in the country. Unintentional drownings increase in spring and peak in July.[1]

Many of the causes of pool injuries and drownings are preventable. Ensuring that children are always supervised near a pool can save a child’s life. If your child is near a pool, watch them at all times. It can be tempting to chat with a friend, read a good book, or scroll on your phone, but your child’s life depends on you focusing all of your attention on them. Additionally, if your child can’t swim, they should always remain within arm’s length of you in the pool. For extra safety, children who can’t swim or who are not strong swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in the water. These life jackets are the only devices that a child can wear to help prevent drowning – water wings (also called arm floaties) will not stop a child from drowning.

Both children and adults should never run or engage in horseplay on the pool deck; someone could inadvertently be knocked into the pool and injure themselves. Additionally, make sure everyone knows that diving into the pool is not allowed – only jump in feet first to help prevent a spinal cord injury.

Whether you are watching children splash at the pool or relaxing with other adults, always stay sober near the pool. Alcohol reduces your judgement, sense of inhibition, and increases risk-taking – all of which can prove deadly near a pool. In fact, a study by the CDC found that “31% of all drownings involve blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of 0.10% or higher.[2]”

Check to ensure that your pool deck area is safe. There should be a fence around the pool area that requires guests to enter the area through a gate with a latch. This can prevent young children from unintentionally accessing the area. Keep the surface of the pool deck clear of toys, cups, bags, or any other tripping hazards. There should be no glass (including glass bottles) anywhere on the pool deck.

Your pool should be regularly maintained and serviced. Check the chemical levels to ensure there are enough chemicals to maintain the pool’s hygiene, but not too much that it could cause burns on swimmers. If you notice any signs that your equipment is not working properly, call a professional right away to inspect and repair the problem.

We hope you have a fun and safe Memorial Weekend and summer. If you are injured at a pool, contact ECanter Attorneys. We are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Your initial consultation is free and we will advise you of your legal rights for recovering compensation for your injuries.

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[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning Data | Drowning Prevention | CDC. Accessed March 29, 2025.

[2] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Risky Drinking Can Put a Chill on Your Summer Fun | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Accessed March 29, 2025.