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Protect Yourself from Pool and Trampoline Dangers Courtesy of ARAcontent  |
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 (ARA) - This summer thousands of Americans will go outdoors to enjoy some backyard fun in the sun. Unfortunately for many of them, it will end in hospital visits, property damage and insurance claims.
Insurance experts Cindy Woodford and Jon Farris of QBE Regional Insurance say two major culprits are trampolines and swimming pools. They also warn that many home insurers won’t cover customers with trampolines and have restrictions for those with pools. So be sure to check with your independent insurance agent before buying a trampoline or pool -- and let your agent know if you’ve already purchased one. If you file an insurance claim involving a trampoline or pool (especially one your insurance company didn’t know about), you not only risk higher insurance bills in the future but you could have trouble finding an insurance company willing to underwrite your future coverage.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your family from these common warm-weather hazards.
Trampolines Equal Trouble
“I truly believe if more homeowners were aware of the significant injuries trampolines can cause, they would never consider having them on their property,” says Woodford, homeowners vice president for Unigard and QBE Regional insurance companies.
A Rhode Island study found 531,378 kids got hurt on trampolines from 2000 to 2005. The American Academy of Pediatrics Web site states, “Adult supervision will not adequately prevent injuries on home trampolines. Trampolines should be used only in supervised training programs for gymnastics, diving or other competitive sports.”
Homeowners should also consider the liability of a backyard trampoline, in addition to the potential for injury. “Trampolines aren’t just dangerous, they’re also virtually impossible to secure and adequately supervise,” Woodford says.
She recalls the guest of a Unigard homeowner who asked to use the backyard trampoline during a Super Bowl party. The homeowner refused, but the guest snuck outside, used the trampoline and broke multiple bones. “That was an adult -- imagine the temptation for young children!” Woodford says.
Protect Your Pool and Yourself
Another backyard hazard is swimming pools. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), about 43,000 people are injured annually in and around swimming pools. Half of pool fatalities occur in yards of single-family homes.
“The biggest factor in pool safety is proper supervision,” says Farris, homeowners assistant vice president for General Casualty. “Just because your child has been swimming since he was two, doesn’t mean the neighbor kid can.”
Farris says that in order for General Casualty (and many other insurers) to cover a home with a pool it is required that:
* An in-ground pool must have a fence with a locking gate that meets state height requirements.
* An above-ground pool requires a self-latching and locking gate (if there’s a deck) or removable ladder (if no deck).
* Pool entrances must be locked when the pool is not in use.
* Pools must be well supervised when in use.
* Pools with diving boards and slides generally need to be eight feet or deeper.
In addition, the III suggests pool owners check often for hazards like glass bottles and toys, and use caution with electrical devices. Don’t let anyone swim alone, especially during bad weather or if they’ve been drinking alcohol. And keep children away from pool filters.
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