Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | June 12, 2025 | Children Injuries
Most children love playing in the water and are naturally drawn to it. Sadly, drowning and other water-related injuries can happen in a moment, even in small bodies of water like a wading pool.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that in the U.S., drowning is the number one cause of death among children between the ages of 1 and 4, and it is the second-leading cause of injury death among children ages 5 to 14.
Many of these tragic accidents could have been prevented if a few safety practices had been put into place. When negligence plays a role in a child’s water-related injury or death, an Atlanta child injury lawyer can help families understand their legal rights and pursue accountability.
1. Start Swimming Lessons Early
Children develop at different rates, and not every child is ready for swimming lessons at a young age. However, swim instruction is available for babies and toddlers.
Accessibility and affordability can often be an obstacle to swimming lessons. Check with the Atlanta Parks and Recreation department for class availability. The American Red Cross also makes it easy to find approved swim lessons in your area.
Remember that even children who are strong swimmers need to be supervised by an adult who knows how to swim. Children and adults who have had swim lessons can still drown. Adults should be in the pool or other deep body of water with young children, not just nearby.
2. Learn CPR
You follow guidelines for preventing auto accidents and keep your kids in the correct car safety seats because you know that unexpected things can happen. The same is true when it comes to water safety.
Learning CPR is a way to be prepared for accidents involving water. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that’s used only if a person’s heart stops beating.
Find a CPR class in your area or search for instruction from a reputable source online. Although it is not necessary to be certified in CPR to save a child’s life, becoming certified in first aid and CPR is a smart move for any parent.
3. Follow The Rules
Parents need to set a good example when it comes to following safety rules. Teach children to only swim in designated areas and never swim alone. Never dive into water if the posted rules prohibit diving.
If a child sees another person struggling in the water, they should find an adult to help or throw the person a life preserver. Teach children never to go into the water to help someone else.
Keep toys out of the pool when not in use and never swim outdoors during a lightning or thunderstorm. Never run near a pool. Falls on a hard cement surface could result in a serious brain injury.
Swimmers with long hair should tie their hair back to reduce the risk of accidents. Keep a phone nearby in case you need to call 911. Lastly, empty out all kiddie pools and buckets of water at the end of playtime.
4. Don’t Overlook Teen Water Safety
It’s not just toddlers and young children who are at risk of drowning or other water-related accidents. No matter how responsible your teen is, they still need reminders about water safety. Never let your teen swim in an area you are not familiar with. Teach them how to look for rip currents and hidden obstacles in the water.
Teens should never swim alone, even if they are strong swimmers. Make sure everyone (including parents) obeys safe boating rules, like wearing a life jacket and avoiding alcohol and drugs when swimming or boating. Follow all local ordinances regarding the operation of a watercraft.
Contact an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
Accidents can happen even when you’re taking all the proper precautions. A child can slip and fall while walking on a wet pool deck or aspirate water while laughing and splashing in the bathtub.
If your child was injured near a body of water because of someone’s negligence, call Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the Atlanta personal injury law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975,
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Open 24/7
(678) 990-7024
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Open 24/7
(678) 626-5067
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108,
Mableton, GA 30126
Open 24/7
(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Open 24/7
(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111,
Roswell, GA 30075
Open 24/7
(678) 582-8466
About Robert M. Hammers Jr.
Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation, toxic torts, and mass torts involving defective drugs and medical devices.
With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.
Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.
