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.