Slips and falls don’t happen only in cold months

The weather outside is frightful in some parts of the country. It’s not snowing. Precipitation is appearing in another form, as sweat on the brow. Even though New York City is enjoying seasonally normal temperatures right this minute, don’t expect to escape from the swelter of summer. Still, with conditions as they are, it is easy to forget that every season has its hazards.

According to the National Safety Council, winter is notorious for injuries from slips and falls on ill-maintained surfaces and wet floors. Fatal accidents rise from November to January and then decline. But the bell curve is just as prominent from May to September. The causes may vary, but if serious or fatal injury is due to a property owner’s failure of take care, the victims or their loved ones should not be self-conscious about learning what their options are for pursuing just compensation.

While the winter months create ice hazards, the water threat in summer often comes from swimming pools. The National Safety Council observes that in 2016, more than 3,700 people drowned in the U.S. Most of deaths occurred in the summer and those among infants and toddlers, children aged 1-4, were particularly noteworthy as ones that were considered preventable.

Owners and operators of swimming pools, indoor or outdoor, have obligations to make sure their visitors are safe. But we can all commit to sharing the responsibility for safety. Some ways to do this are simple. They include:

• Learn to swim. Whether you’re an adult or have children, there are community organizations offering swimming lessons that can prepare you to take to water safely.
• Employ the buddy system. This has been shown to work, though it depends on the buddies being of an age and maturity to know how to spot an emergency and take the right action.
• Make sure there’s a lifeguard present. But it’s important for parents to remember that pool guards aren’t baby sitters. And remember; no running.
• Know your neighborhood. Is there a private pool in your neighborhood? Can children get to it easily? Codes set minimum safety standards. Compliance is another question.
• Be prepared. Know first aid and how and when to call 911. Take a class in CPR and water rescue if possible.

When life and limb are at stake, we all can play a role in ensuring summer is fun and safe.