A swimming pool accident in Rialto claimed the life of a 1-year-old boy on June 19, 2010. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the drowning occurred in the 700 block of South Ironwood Avenue. Family members told officials that the child was left momentarily unsupervised. He walked through a gate and climbed into an above ground pool. San Bernardino fire dispatchers instructed family members on how to perform CPR on the child, who apparently had no pulse and was not breathing. It is not clear how long the child was in the water.


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My heart goes out to this family for the tragic loss they have experienced. They will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.

Swimming Pool Accident Statistics

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 350 children under 5 years of age drown each year in swimming pools, many in residential pools. The Commission estimates that another 2,600 children under age 5 are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year following submersion incidents. Some of these submersions or near-drowning incidents result in severe brain injury and permanent brain damage. Nationally, drowning is a leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age.

Layers of Protection

Swimming pool accidents and near-drowning accidents occur year-round in California. However, in the summer, these incidents hit an all-time high. In this particular case, the child walked through a gate, which apparently was not locked or secured, and climbed into the pool. All this, according to family members, happened within moments. This is usually how swimming pool accidents take place. A moment's inattention can cost a child's life. Drowning occurs in a matter of seconds.

When you have a swimming pool and children at home, it is important to have "layers of protection." This includes having a gate around your pool and keeping it locked at all times. Installing pool alarms will alert you to any activity around the pool area. But most importantly, parents or caregivers cannot afford to leave their children unsupervised, even if it is for a very short time.

Liability Issues

Remember that if a swimming pool accident happens in your home and injures a guest, you could be held liable for it. The California personal injury lawyers of BISNAR | CHASE handle at least a few cases each summer involving swimming pool accidents. Summer pool parties are also prime candidates for these types of tragedies. Although there may be many people around the pool, it is important to assign a few people to watch the children in the pool. It may be even better for the party host to either require each parent to be in the pool with their children or hire a lifeguard.

What are a few swimming pool safety tips that you would offer based on your experiences?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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