On Behalf of Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates P.C. | May 23, 2025 | Premises Liability |
While the weather right now might not be ideal, the weather in Northern Indiana will soon be getting warmer. That means the kids will all be clamoring to go to a pool to cool down and burn off some of that frenetic childhood energy.
Pools and backyard spas can be a source of fun and recreation for both adults and children. But they must beware of dangers located beneath the surface of the water.
A different type of drowning
Most people know to keep non-swimmers out of the deep end and to always supervise children around water. But there’s one type of deadly circumstance that many adults have never heard of — suction entrapment.
This phenomenon occurs when there is a defect or missing part of the pool’s suction and water circulation system. Often, it’s the drain cover at the bottom of the pool in its deepest part. Kids often try to dive down and touch or sit down on the drain cover, not realizing their lethal mistake until it’s too late to save them.
Older pools, spas have higher risks
Water circulation systems are now designed to have auto-release valves that shut down and release an entrapped person when their limbs, torso, hair or clothing gets caught fast in a grate or other portal.
But older pools weren’t designed with these lifesaving systems, and far too many children and even adults died as a result, some in particularly gruesome eviscerations. Poorly maintained spas and pools of any age are also at risk of causing injuries or deaths.
Property owners have a duty to maintain premises
Both pools and spas are considered to be attractive nuisances and require fencing and regular maintenance to prevent accidents that injure, maim or kill those swimming or relaxing in them.
If you or a loved one suffered from a property owner’s negligence, you have the right to seek civil redress by filing a claim for damages.