Lifeguard Negligence in San Antonio

A local swimming pool or a public beach, if you drive toward the coast, give adults and kids alike somewhere to relax and unwind something particularly valuable during the hot summers around San Antonio. However, lifeguard negligence can lead to significant injuries or even death at these locations. When lifeguards are present, you are supposed to trust them with your life and your children’s life. Here, we want to review some aspects of lifeguard negligence in and around San Antonio, including whether or not victims of these negligent actions can recover compensation. Our San Antonio drowning accident attorney is ready to fight for justice on your family’s behalf.

Lifeguard Duty of Care in Texas

Lifeguards play an important role in ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools and beaches. In Texas, lifeguards have a legal duty of care to protect individuals from harm while they are in the water. This duty of care means that lifeguards must be vigilant, properly trained, and ready to act in case of an emergency.

Lifeguards in Texas are expected to:

• Monitor swimmers. Lifeguards must continuously watch swimmers to identify any signs of distress or danger. They should avoid distractions and remain focused on their responsibilities.
• Provide timely assistance. When a swimmer is in trouble, lifeguards must respond quickly and efficiently. Delays in action can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Perform rescues. Lifeguards must be trained to perform water rescues and use appropriate techniques to bring swimmers to safety.
• Administer first aid. Lifeguards should be certified in first aid and CPR, allowing them to provide rapid medical assistance until a more advanced medical professional arrives.
• Enforce safety rules. To prevent accidents, lifeguards must enforce pool or beach safety rules, such as prohibiting running near the water or ensuring that children are supervised.

Failure to fulfill these responsibilities can result in lifeguard negligence, leading to severe consequences for swimmers.

Common Injuries Caused By Lifeguard Negligence

Lifeguard negligence can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to life-threatening. When lifeguards fail to perform their duties adequately, swimmers are at risk of suffering harm. Some common injuries caused by lifeguard negligence include:

• Drowning. The most severe consequence of lifeguard negligence is drowning. If a lifeguard fails to notice a swimmer in distress or does not respond quickly enough, the swimmer can drown.
• Near-drowning. Even if a swimmer is rescued in time, they may still suffer from near-drowning. This can result in severe brain damage due to a lack of oxygen, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Head injuries. Swimmers can sustain head injuries if they dive into shallow water or slip and fall near the pool. Lifeguards must enforce safety rules to prevent such accidents.
• Spinal injuries. Improper diving or rough play can cause spinal injuries, which can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities. Lifeguards must monitor and control swimmer behavior to minimize these risks.
• Cuts and bruises. Swimmers can suffer cuts and bruises from sharp pool edges, broken tiles, or other hazards. Lifeguards should regularly inspect the swimming area and report any maintenance issues.

In cases where lifeguard negligence leads to injury, victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Victims should consult with an experienced aquatic injury attorney in Texas to explore legal options and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Recovering Compensation After an Injury

If you have been harmed due to the negligence of a lifeguard in the San Antonio region, please reach out to an attorney today. You can reach out for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling (866) 304-3263 today. Our team may be able to help you recover compensation.