With the long summer days upon us, Washingtonians’ thoughts turn to fun and recreation. For the younger set, there’s nothing like cooling off in a pool on a hot day.
But there can be dangers associated with that, as well. Suction entrapment is a term for the often-fatal spa and pool accidents that can occur to children and even adults.
What it is
Pools and spas have water circulation systems that have both intake and output areas. The suction on pool drains located at the bottom of the pool can be over 300 lbs. of pressure. That amount of force can anchor a swimmer’s head, hair, jewelry, swimsuit, limbs or even torso to the drain, holding them fast until they drown.
Some children have even been eviscerated from sitting down on pool drains. It’s nightmarish to contemplate.
Most newer pools are safer
Most incidents of suction entrapment happen on older model spas and pools that might not be regularly maintained. Regardless of the age and condition of the pool, the owner of the pool property has a duty of care to all guests and other swimmers to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe and secure manner so that others are not harmed.
Swim at your own risk?
Those are nice signs to hang on the wall of the pool house, but they don’t absolve the property owner or pool manager from negligent acts or omissions that cause injury or death to others.
If you suspect that negligence led to your family member’s pool accident, learning more about your rights under Washington’s personal injury laws can be helpful.
