Pool and Trampoline Dangers

Protect Yourself from Pool and Trampoline Dangers
Did you know that many home insurers won’t cover customers with trampolines and have restrictions for those with a pool?  Check with your 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;  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 loved ones from these common warm-weather hazards.

A recent 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.

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 each year and half of pool fatalities occur in yards of single-family homes.

Many insurers require the following before they will cover a pool:

• 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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