Summer Vacation is a time for relaxation and creating memories with your loved ones. At Jones & Swanson, it’s one of our goals to ensure the safety of all, no matter what activity you engage in. Whether you’re going on a beach getaway or a trip to the mountains, there is always a precaution you can take that could be the difference between enjoyment and disaster. Here are some ideas you can keep in mind that will help keep everyone safe this summer, and remind everyone to practice vacation safety.
Water Safety
Going to the beach, lake, or pool is a popular vacation activity. However, with this serene environment comes some potential hazards, especially for young children. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 4.
The probability of a swimming accident occurring is never zero. Here are some essential ways to help keep you and your loved ones safe while enjoying the water.
- Consider enrolling your child and yourself in swimming lessons. About 40 million (15.4%) adults in the U.S. do not know how to swim.
- Only swim in designated areas where lifeguards are on duty. They are properly trained to respond to emergencies immediately and act fast.
- Never swim alone. Not every beach or pool in Georgia requires a lifeguard.
- Pay attention to warning and caution signs at the beginning of the beach or by the pool. Most beaches use a marked flag system.
- Double Red flags mean that the water is closed for public use.
- Red flags will typically mean that the water is not safe to surf in or that there are dangerous currents. Only swim with extreme caution.
- Yellow flags are meant to warn people of potential risks and indicate caution.
- Green flags usually mean that the water is safe to swim in, and to remain cautious.
- Purple flags mean that dangerous aquatic life has been spotted; the beach is not closed, but use extreme caution.
- When on the beach, it is important that you properly protect your feet. Shells, broken glass, and metal shards are commonly found under the sand.
- Be cautious of unknown creatures, especially if you are unsure of the species. Some may be poisonous and could potentially sting or bite. Shuffling your feet can help alert those who are nearby to move.
Getting to your destination
Whether you are traveling near or far, in most cases, you’ll be utilizing a car to get to your vacation destination. Just like any other day, you must exercise caution when you get behind the wheel. Here are some things you need to remember to help prevent putting yourself and others at risk.
- Never drink and drive. Every ounce of liquor (or one standard beverage) takes your liver one hour to process. Do not drive unless you are fully sober.
- If you plan on drinking, have a designated driver who is sober. If not, have a ride share ready to use to get you to your destination.
- If you don’t feel awake and cannot focus, do not drive. Only operate a vehicle with complete clarity.
- Make sure you use your seatbelt, not only is it the law, but we can’t stress enough the importance of how a seatbelt will save you in the case of an accident.
- Do not text and drive, it’s against the law. Avoid other distractions while behind the wheel as well, such as operating the radio, eating a meal, or otherwise interacting with something other than the steering wheel.
- Pay attention to erratic behaviors on the road. If you notice anything, contact 911. You may save someone’s life
Accommodation Safety
When traveling, it is smart to plan when it comes to accommodations. Whether you’re staying at a hotel or planning to book an Airbnb, it is important to do thorough research on the location and look at customer reviews for insight.
- If you plan to book online, make sure that the company you are using is well-known and reputable.
- When you arrive, check all points of interest and inspect all the locks. Make sure that all locks are functional and that windows are locked.
- Ensure that there are smoke detectors at the location, and report issues to the hosts of your stay.
- The lack of smoke detector usage could be deadly for you. From 2018 to 2022, nearly 59% of home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties that had no smoke alarms or ones that failed to operate.
- It is wise to share your location with a loved one if you intend to vacation alone, and avoid sharing your location publicly.
- Don’t let strangers know where you are staying or who you are staying with.
- If there are any unexpected staff who come to your door, alert the front desk to verify their identity.
- Bring a door wedge or portable door jammer to use when you are going to bed at night to secure the main door to your stay.
Plan for the worst
Whenever you arrive in a new place, you may find yourself in the event of the unexpected. Things could go wrong, plans could fall through, and sudden emergencies could arise. The first thing you need to do is think about your backup plan ahead of time. We believe these safety tips could change the outcome of your situation detrimentally.
- Choose a destination and route that is safe and less risky. It would be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the area of your travel ahead of time.
- Know the laws and customs of your destination if traveling to a new country.
- Research the closest U.S. embassy before you travel. This is the safest place for you in a foreign country.
- Avoid engaging with tourist traps. Many folks will take advantage of new people in the area by pressuring them into scams or tricking them into being robbed.
- Keep your money, phone, and personal identification (License or Passport) securely on you at all times.
- Download an offline map, in case you lose signal on your phone.
- Physically write down the address of your accommodation and the phone number for assistance. You can use this if you lose your phone or it dies before you return.
FAQ
CAN I SUE FOR A DROWNING ACCIDENT?
Yes, in Georgia, certain family members are allowed to file a lawsuit if negligence from the liable parties is apparent in the drowning. Only a drowning accident attorney can determine if you have a case or not, given the circumstances surrounding the situation. Our attorneys at Jones & Swanson are free to speak with you regarding any questions you may have or if you are looking to pursue a case.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY HOTEL (OR AIRBNB) DOESN’T HAVE A WORKING SMOKE DETECTOR?
Alert the hotel staff or host immediately to repair your smoke detector or relocate you to a room with one. The accommodation owes you a duty of care as a guest to maintain working smoke detectors. If you are injured due to a fire due by a non-working smoke detector, you may be able to sue for your injuries, property loss, and/or emotional distress.
CAN I SUE IF I WAS INJURED AT THE BEACH ON VACATION?
Whether it was a private or public beach, due to unsafe conditions, you may have a claim; it depends on how the injury happened, who is responsible, and if negligence is at play. There are many examples of possible cases you may receive compensation from, such as faulty beach gear injuries, absent lifeguards during a drowning, no warning signs during dangerous conditions resulting in injury, or being hurt from someone else’s reckless behavior. Only an experienced attorney can tell if you have a case or not.
Keep vacation safety a priority while you have fun in the sun this summer. Jones & Swanson encourages you to be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant!
JONES & SWANSON IS A PERSONAL INJURY FIRM, Located in Marietta, Georgia. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN HURT DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF OTHERS WHILE ON VACATION, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, THEN GIVE US A CALL AT (770) 427-5498 OR CONTACT US ON AWJLAW.COM FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TO FIND OUT THE NEXT STEPS YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE.
Categories: Boating Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Drowning Accidents, Drowsy Driving, Drunk Driving, Pool Accidents, Safety Tips, Summer Safety, Wrongful Death
