What are the Common Swimming Pool Injuries?
While a swimming pool offers an ideal spot to cool off during hot summers, it can also pose serious risks to you and your loved ones.
The majority of pool injuries and accidents are because of inadequate pool safety measures and lack of supervision.
Check out a list of common pool injuries:
1. Brain injury
Areas around the pool are often wet and slippery. As a result, you may accidentally fall into a swimming pool.
While a slip and fall accident may not sound serious but it can result in severe brain injury or can lead to paralysis. In serious cases, you can become unconscious and can drown.
Prevention
Pool owners must take adequate steps to keep the pool as safe as possible.
- Install display signs saying” No running” to remind people to be careful
- When not in use, cover your pool with an electric pool cover or pool enclosure to prevent accidental drowning
- Put a fence around the pool
- Install safety alarms and CCTV cameras
2. Strain on arm and neck
Swimming for long hours can cause severe strain on your arms and neck, causing you excessive pain and inflammation.
And if you follow poor swimming techniques, you are more prone to a severe neck injury.
Prevention
If you want to enjoy pool time for an extended period, take adequate breaks for stretching your arms and neck.
Even better, follow proper swimming techniques to prevent pain and neck strain.
3. Rotator cuff injury
A rotator cuff is a group of muscles around the shoulder joint. It can get injured because of poor swimming skills and can cause severe pain and inflammation in your shoulder.
In severe cases, it can result in surgery and a long rehabilitation time.
If you experience dull pain in your shoulder while swimming, immediately take a rest, apply ice, and treat your shoulder to avoid further injury or tears.
4. Pool drain injuries
Whether it is pool repairing or annual cleaning, pool draining is an unavoidable necessity due to various reasons.
Moreover, drains are an important part of pool filtration.
But as per the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) drains exert up to 300 pounds of pressure per square inch.
The pressure is so strong that it can tear organs from a body or even lead to death.
Prevention
While swimming, cover the drain or install a safety vacuum cutoff.
5. Lower back pain
Back pain is a very common issue that is due to the continuous usage of the back muscles and core strength in a pool.
It can cause too much stress on the back muscles and can lead to severe injury.
Prevention
Strengthen your core muscles to prevent acute pain. Moreover, exercising the hips and pelvic region can also help you.
In the end…
A swimming pool is fun but it is important to keep yourself safe.
Proper training and complete supervision can alleviate injury rates.
Have a safe swimming season.