Girl, 10, Drowns in Cruise Ship Pool
A 10-year-old girl died recently after drowning in a swimming pool aboard a cruise ship of the coast of the Eastern United States, according to ABC News.
The girl was aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line Ship, which left New York City and was headed on a 7-day tour of Florida and the Bahamas, according to the report.
The girl drowned while the ship was about 75 miles from the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After the death was reported, the ship docked immediately at a nearby port in Florida, the U.S. Coast Guard told media.
The Norwegian Gem sailed to Port Canaveral, Florida, after cruise officials reported the death to the U.S. Coast Guard.
“On Sunday afternoon, the ship’s medical team responded to an emergency call from the pool deck, as a 10-year-old female guest was reported unresponsive. The team quickly administered CPR and full emergency care. After extensive efforts, the guest could not be revived,” the Miami-based Norwegian Gem told media in a statement.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family during this very difficult time. Norwegian’s care team is providing full assistance and support to the family,” the statement continued.
Unintentional Drowning in the United States
Sadly, about 10 people die a day from unintentional drowning in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This makes unintentional drowning the fifth-leading cause of unintentional injury death.
About 20% of those who die are under the age of 14.
In Florida specifically, more children ages one to four die in unintentional drowning incidents than in any other state in the country, according to the Florida Department of Health Injury Prevention Program.
In fact, almost eight children per 100,000 people — ages one to four — die in an unintentional drowning incidents in Florida every year. Florida’s rate of unintentional drowning deaths is a staggering 200% higher than the national average, according to the Florida Department of Health Injury Prevention Program.
In 2011, the state unveiled a statewide educational toolkit and prevention campaign surrounding these high rates of unintentional drowning deaths among children. The campaign is focused on supervision, barriers and emergency preparedness. Learn more here.
Premises Liability
What is premises liability and why does it matter when it comes to unintentional drowning incidents?
Property owners and those managing a property have a duty to maintain their premises. They also have a duty to fix or remedy any issues in a reasonable time frame. They’re also responsible for alerting visitors of any dangers that cannot be immediately fixed or remedied.
If a drowning occurs at a swim camp, spa, private club pool, private residential pool or public community pool, those in charge of the property may be held liable for negligent actions. If they did not take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of those using it legally, they may be liable for any injuries or even death.
Contact an attorney today
If you’ve lost a loved one or a child due to drowning in a local pool in Florida, contact the attorneys at Boone & Davis in Fort Lauderdale today. We have been working in the field for more than 40 years and can bring to bear our experience and knowledge to help bring you justice.
