Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages one to four.
There is no excuse for this. Prosecutors should be filing manslaughter charges against any adult, including parents, since taking no action continues these unwarranted deaths.
The USA Swimming Foundation reports that from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2019, at least 150 children younger than age 15 drowned in swimming pools or spas across the U.S.
This year, Texas and Ohio led the nation in the fatal drowning of children. Texas had 26 and Ohio had 11. California and Florida followed closely with 10 child drowning fatalities. Other states that topped the list include Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia.
Manslaughter charges for child deaths should be prosecuted where there is a failure of supervision and control, namely failure to:
- Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas.
- Designate an adult Water Watcher to supervise children at all times around the water.
- Teach infants to swim.
- Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults.
- Ensure a pool or spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal safety standards.
Alexander Law Group, LLP attorneys are always ready to answer questions and share the results of our research and experience with the public. As safety lawyers, our goal is to make a difference for our clients and our community.
