The Dangers of Hitting Your Face on The Side of a Pool
Swimming pools provide hours of entertainment and exercise for people of all ages. However, they can also lead to painful and dangerous accidents if proper precautions are not taken. One type of accident that can occur is when someone hits their face on the side of the pool.
What Causes These Types of Accidents
There are a few common causes of people hitting their faces on the side of pools:
- Slipping or losing balance when getting in or out of the pool
- Jumping into the pool without checking depth or clearance first
- Engaging in horseplay near the edges of the pool
- Simply not paying attention to surroundings
Even experienced swimmers can make mistakes or have momentary lapses in judgement that lead to accidents. The edges and sides of pools, especially in-ground pools, are hard surfaces that can cause significant injuries.
Types of Facial Injuries
Some of the most common facial injuries that occur when hitting the pool side include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises and swelling
- Broken teeth
- Fractured facial bones
- Damaged eyes or eye sockets
- Concussions
These types of facial trauma can be extremely painful. Cuts may require stitches, broken bones may need surgery to repair, and eye injuries can potentially impact vision. Even if no bones are broken, the force of hitting the side can cause headaches, neck pain, and other issues.
Safety Tips
The good news is many pool accidents can be prevented by following some basic safety precautions:
- Never run near the pool and avoid horseplay
- Check water depth and entry areas before diving in
- Install non-slip surfaces around above ground pools
- Put guard rails around pool steps and ladders
- Don't swim alone or when overly tired
- Ensure proper lighting around pool areas
Its also smart to learn CPR and keep life-saving equipment on hand in case an injury does occur.
What To Do If Someone Hits Their Face
If you witness someone hitting their face on the side of a pool, remain calm and call for help immediately. Even if the victim seems okay or the injury looks minor, call 9-1-1 so paramedics can properly evaluate them.
Assess the Situation
While waiting for the ambulance, do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger. Ask them questions to gauge consciousness and aide with treatment:
- Are you okay?
- Where does it hurt?
- Do you know what day it is?
- How many fingers am I holding up?
If they lose consciousness, are repeating themselves, or are unable to answer, they may have a serious head injury.
Stop Bleeding
If there are cuts or lacerations on the face or head, control bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean towel. Wear gloves if possible when dealing with others blood. Keep pressure on the wound until paramedics arrive.
Watch for Other Injuries
In addition to facial trauma, evaluate the rest of the body for potential injuries. If they hit the side hard enough to break facial bones, they may also have injured limbs, hips, the spine or neck area. While waiting for emergency responders, monitor pain levels and assist with getting out of the pool safely if needed.
Give Emotional Support
Injuries involving the head and face can be extremely upsetting. Provide comfort by remaining calm, keeping bystanders away, and assuring the victim help is coming. Ask if there are any family members or friends who should be called.
Recovery After Facial Pool Injuries
Healing from facial trauma caused by hitting the side of the pool may take weeks or even months depending on severity. Some tips for supporting recovery:
Follow Medical Advice
Its crucial to listen to all doctor recommendations after sustaining facial injuries. This may include:
- Taking prescribed antibiotics and pain medications
- Allowing time for concussions or fractures to heal before resuming normal activity
- Seeing specialists such as dentists, eye doctors, or plastic surgeons
- Going to follow-up appointments to track healing
Help Manage Pain
Expect facial trauma to be very painful as the injuries heal. To help manage discomfort:
- Take medications as directed
- Apply cold compresses to bruised/swollen areas
- Sleep propped up to reduce swelling
- Avoid salty foods which may aggravate wounds
Reduce Infection Risk
Keeping wounds clean is vital for preventing infection. Suggestions include:
- Gently rinsing cuts with saline solution
- Changing dressings over stitches regularly
- Avoiding touching or scrubbing wounds
- Watching for signs of infection like pus or redness
See a doctor promptly if you notice any potential signs of infection.
Protect Injured Areas
Until bones, teeth, and tissues have fully mended:
- Wear masks or splints as directed
- Eat soft foods if dealing with dental injuries
- Avoid activities that may cause further injury
Listen to doctors guidelines about when it is safe to return to sports, school, and regular routines.
Preventing Facial Hits in The Future
After recovering from facial trauma caused by hitting the side of a pool, people often feel apprehensive about swimming again. By taking some preventative steps, you can avoid repeats of painful injuries.
Install Safety Features
Consider adding safety measures to your pool area including:
- Cushioning on hard surfaces like pool sides
- Slip-resistant materials on pool decks/paths
- Adequate lighting, especially for night swimming
Enforce Pool Rules
Make sure anyone using your pool understands and obeys rules including:
- No running near the pool
- No diving in shallow areas
- Dont participate in rowdy horseplay
Learn Swimming Skills
Enrolling in swimming lessons can enhance safety by learning skills like:
- Treading water
- Surface diving and looking before jumping/diving
- Properly using steps, railings and ladders to enter/exit
Lessons provide guidance on avoiding hazards like pool sides to the face or head.
Stay Alert
No matter how careful the pool design and rules are, it takes vigilance from swimmers to prevent facial collisions. Always be mindful of surroundings and hazards like pool sides. Avoid swimming when overly tired or intoxicated.
While hitting the side of a pool can result in painful facial trauma, there are many precautions which can help avoid these types of accidents. Pay attention, follow pool safety advice, and enjoy the water safely.
FAQs
What should I do if someone hits their face on the side of the pool?
First, remain calm and call 911. Do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger. Help stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean towel. Ask questions to gauge consciousness and monitor pain levels or other injuries while waiting for paramedics.
How long does recovery from facial injuries due to pool accidents take?
Healing times vary widely depending on the exact injuries sustained. Minor cuts may heal within a couple weeks. However, broken facial bones, damaged teeth, or eye injuries could take 6-8 weeks or longer to fully recover from. Following all medical advice is crucial.
What safety precautions can I take to prevent these facial injuries?
Installing cushioning or pads on pool sides, enforcing rules that prohibit running/diving, teaching swimming skills, and staying vigilant are key ways to help prevent facial impacts with pool walls. Never swim while overly tired or intoxicated.
Should I go to the hospital after hitting my face?
Yes, it is advisable to go to the ER after any impact to the face on a pool side. Even minor-seeming cuts or bruises could be hiding more critical underlying injuries. Head trauma should always be evaluated by a doctor to check for concussion or fractures.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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