There were reports of two swimming pool accidents in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley on November 11, 2009, according to a CBS news report. The accidents resulted in the near-drowning of two young children. The first incident occurred around noon in a North Hills home where a 14-month-old boy fell into a swimming pool. The boy was taken out of the water and transported to a hospital where he is said to be recovering. Around 12:30 the same day a 5-year-old boy was out of sight for no more than two minutes before his mother found him floating in the backyard pool. He was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

My heart goes out to the families of both these young boys. I hope and pray that both children recover quickly and completely from their injuries. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers.

Swimming Pool Accident Statistics

Southern California, especially, is notorious for drowning and near-drowning incidents obviously because of the abundance of pools and good weather. Los Angeles County has more than 200 near-drowning incidents a year. And Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties together account for half of all near-drowning incidents in California.

In both these cases, it is extremely fortunate that the children did not sustain fatal injuries. It really doesn't take that long for a child who is submerged in water to sustain a traumatic brain injury or die because the oxygen supply is cut off to the child's brain. The cost of treating these brain injuries is extremely high and could run into millions of dollars.

Liability Issues in Drowning or Near-Drowning Accidents

Although in these cases, the children fell into their own backyard pools, the Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE handle at least a few cases every summer where a child is seriously injured or killed as a result of a swimming pool accident in someone else's home or at a day camp.

Incidents such as these prove that swimming pool accidents in Southern California are not seasonal. Drowning incidents here really don't take a holiday. Parents and caregivers should be watchful at all times. If a child drowns under your watch or in your home, you could be held liable for the injuries. If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, please make sure it is fenced and locked. And make sure that the locks are in working condition. Always supervise children and never let them out of your sight.

Two Los Angeles Swimming Pool Accidents Cause Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

I read a heart-warming tale of 9-year-old Max de la Rosa, who sprung to action as he saw a toddler almost drown in an Orange County swimming pool accident. The Orange County Register reports that Max was in a backyard swimming pool in Garden Grove at a friend's house with two toddlers--Damien, 3 and Angel, 2. Angel's father, who was watching the children, had stepped away briefly when Angel quietly slipped under the water. Max saw Angel floating face down at the bottom of the swimming pool and threw himself off the diving board, jumped in and pulled Angel out of the deep end. Angel's mother, Blanca Esparza, and later, emergency personnel, were able to resuscitate the boy. He is now listed in good condition. Doctors say Angel may have been underwater for 30 seconds.

I'm extremely relieved that little Angel survived this near-drowning swimming pool incident and that he is recovering well. It's indeed fortunate that he survived. However, the true hero in this story is 9-year-old Max del la Rosa, who had the courage and presence of mind to dive into that pool and pull Angel out. Max saved Angel's life! The young man deserves to be honored as a true American hero. I wish him the very best and congratulate his parents for the wonderful job they have done with Max. Kudos!

While there is much to be happy about here, this is exactly the kind of story all of us need to take the time to read, especially if we are parents, grandparents or caregivers. All that happened here was a few seconds of inattention. Angel's father walked away for a few seconds to get something from the refrigerator. Drowning occurs silently. Very often, parents who have lost their children in swimming pool accidents will tell you that they heard nothing, not even a splash.

The number of near-drowning incidents in California has always been high. With year-round good weather, Southern California is more prone to swimming pool accidents than any other state. Statistics show that Los Angeles County has more than twice as many near drowning incidents--more than 200 a year--as San Diego County and Orange County combined. Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange counties, together, account for half of all near-drowning incidents in California. Near-drowning incidents can cause devastating brain injuries in children because oxygen is cut off to the brain when a child remains underwater for a lengthy period of time. It's extremely fortunate that Angel did not suffer a debilitating brain injury as a result of remaining under water.

Medical expenses in a near drowning accident could easily run into millions of dollars. Almost every summer, our firm represents families whose loved one drowned because of the negligence of a homeowner, a caretaker or a lifeguard. Please remember that if you are caring for a child in your home and he or she drowns, you could be held liable. Please remember that children need constant supervision when they are enjoying themselves in the pool.

Boy Rescues Toddler Who Nearly Drowned in Orange County Swimming Pool is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal