As temperatures rise and pools reopen across the country, families spend more time around the water. Public pools, hotel pools, and vacation rentals with private pools often become central parts of summer recreation.
Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when many serious swimming pool injuries and drowning incidents occur.
In representing families affected by these tragedies, we have seen how quickly a relaxing day at the pool can turn devastating. Many incidents involve safety failures people do not think about until it is too late.
Drowning Happens Faster Than Most People Realize
Drowning is often imagined as a dramatic event, but in reality it is usually silent and happens quickly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States. For young children, the risk is even more stark. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and swimming pools are the most common location.
Many parents believe they would immediately notice if a child were in danger. But studies show most young drowning victims were out of sight for less than five minutes before the incident occurred.
The Moment When Supervision Breaks Down
In many cases we review, there was not a complete absence of supervision. Instead, there was a brief moment of confusion.
A parent assumes another adult is watching.
A group gathering creates distractions.
A crowded pool deck makes it difficult to track where everyone is.
Children can slip into the water quietly and without drawing attention, which is why safety systems around pools are so important.
Safety Failures at Public and Hotel Pools
Public pools and hotel pools are expected to have safeguards in place, but those safeguards do not always function the way people assume.
We have seen pools overcrowded with too few lifeguards on duty, lifeguards positioned where they could not see the entire pool, or emergency equipment missing or poorly maintained.
Lifeguards play an important role, but they are not a substitute for proper staffing, training, and facility design.
When those systems break down, the risk increases.
The Growing Risk at Short-Term Rental Properties
Private pools at short-term rental properties have created new safety concerns. Vacation homes listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO often advertise pools as an amenity, but they may not have consistent safety standards.
We have seen cases involving missing or broken pool gates, lack of perimeter fencing, unsecured pool covers, and poor lighting around the pool area.
These hazards may not be obvious when families arrive, but they can create serious risks, especially for young children.
A Reminder as Pool Season Approaches
Property owners who invite guests onto their premises have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions. With swimming pools, that responsibility includes barriers, gates, proper lighting, trained staff, and clear safety rules.
As pool season approaches, businesses and property owners should review the precautions they have in place. These safeguards are often the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
Marty Dolan is a respected trial lawyer and founder of Dolan Law, Chicago. He is a long-time resident of Clarendon Hills with over 30 years of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases. He serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee and is Chair of the DuPage County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.
