Noah Hale, 3, died in a swimming pool accident the afternoon of May 21, 2010, according to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune. The toddler was found by his mother, face down and unresponsive, in the pool. He was airlifted to an area hospital, but could not be revived and died shortly after being transported. It is not clear how this tragic drowning occurred.

I offer my deepest condolences to little Noah Hale's family for their tragic, shocking and sudden loss. This family will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.

Deadly Drowning Accidents

Accidental drowning is the number one cause of death in children younger than 5 years old in California, according to government statistics. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), estimates that 350 children under 5 years of age drown each year in swimming pools. A majority of them drown in residential pools. The Commission estimates that another 2,600 children under age 5 are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year following submersion or "near-drowning" incidents. Some of these near-drowning incidents result in severe brain injuries and permanent brain damage.

Preventing Swimming Pool Accidents

In this particular case, we do not know how the toddler fell into the pool and when. In most cases, however, it happens within a few seconds, when an adult is on the phone or has looked away momentarily. We also do not know in this case whether the swimming pool had a fence and a gate, and if the gate was locked at the time of the incident.

Liability Issues

The best way to prevent such tragedies is to have multiple layers of protection. The first layer is close supervision of children. Do not let them out of your sight, even if you think it may be for a few seconds. Place barriers around your swimming pool to prevent access and consider installing alarms. Always be prepared for an emergency.

It is important to remember that if a child drowns in your home or under your watch, you could be held liable for what happens to that child. With summer just around the corner, it would be a good idea to revisit what you need to make your backyard pool safe and secure for your children and your guests. If your child has been seriously injured in a swimming pool accident, please contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer to find out more information about your legal rights and options.

What steps have you taken in your home to avoid swimming pool accidents? Please share your ideas with us.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.