Swimming Pool Accident Lawyers in Georgia & South Carolina
Swimming pools are a source of recreation and relaxation — but they are also one of the most dangerous features on any property. The CDC reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and a leading cause of unintentional death for all ages. Beyond drowning, pool accidents cause traumatic brain injuries from diving, spinal cord injuries, entrapment injuries from defective drains, chemical burns, and electrocution from faulty wiring. Many of these tragedies are entirely preventable with proper safety measures.
At Roden Law, our swimming pool accident attorneys represent victims and families throughout Georgia and South Carolina. We pursue claims against homeowners, apartment complexes, hotels, community pools, and any property owner whose negligence led to a pool-related injury or death.
Common Swimming Pool Accident Causes
Our attorneys handle swimming pool cases involving:
- Drowning and near-drowning: Inadequate supervision, missing or broken pool fences and gates, lack of lifeguards at public/commercial pools, and absence of rescue equipment
- Diving injuries: Diving into shallow water, often due to missing depth markers, no “no diving” signs, or deceptive pool design that makes the water appear deeper than it is
- Drain entrapment: Hair, clothing, or body parts becoming caught in pool drains, leading to drowning or disembowelment. The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act mandates anti-entrapment drain covers in public pools.
- Slip and fall injuries: Wet pool decks without non-slip surfaces, creating dangerous slip and fall conditions
- Chemical injuries: Improper pool chemical storage, handling, or dosing causing burns, respiratory distress, or poisoning
- Electrocution: Faulty underwater lighting, nearby electrical equipment, or improper grounding and bonding of pool electrical systems
Georgia and South Carolina Pool Safety Laws
Both states have specific pool safety requirements:
- Georgia: O.C.G.A. § 31-45-1 et seq. (Georgia Swimming Pool, Spa, and Recreational Water Establishment Act) regulates public and semi-public pools, requiring safety equipment, fencing, proper chemical maintenance, and trained operators. Georgia follows the Model Aquatic Health Code. Local ordinances may impose additional requirements.
- South Carolina: S.C. Code § 44-1-140 and DHEC regulations govern public swimming pools, requiring fencing, safety equipment, proper chemical levels, and compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act for drain safety.
Private residential pools also carry premises liability obligations. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, homeowners must exercise ordinary care for invited guests. Additionally, the attractive nuisance doctrine may impose liability to trespassing children who are injured by an unfenced pool.
Drowning Deaths and Wrongful Death Claims
When a swimming pool accident results in death — particularly the drowning death of a child — families have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Georgia’s wrongful death statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1) measures damages by the “full value of the life” of the deceased. South Carolina’s wrongful death statute (S.C. Code § 15-51-10) allows recovery for pecuniary losses, mental shock, and loss of companionship.
Compensation for Swimming Pool Injuries
Pool accident victims may recover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability (particularly relevant in spinal cord and brain injury cases), and wrongful death damages. Punitive damages are available when the pool owner demonstrated willful or wanton disregard for safety — such as knowingly operating with broken drain covers, missing fencing, or known electrical defects.