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INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580
NEW YORK, July 11, 2007 - With temperatures soaring throughout the country, many people will be taking advantage of the heat-beating delights of a swimming pool. Whether you have a luxury in-ground pool, or plan to blow up the simplest of inflatable above-ground pools, it is important to consider the insurance and safety implications, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I).
Swimming pools have been steadily rising in popularity, with more than 8.3 million households owning an in-ground or above-ground pool-up almost 10 percent since 2002, according to an annual report by the Association of Pool and Spa professions. If you include hot tubs, the number rises to almost 14 million.
"All pools-from a simple kiddy pool to an aquatic extravaganza-can be dangerous and need to be properly insured and comply with local safety standards," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control, over 3,300 people drowned in 2004. Among children ages 1 to 4, the majority drowned in residential swimming pools and had been out of sight of their parents or caretakers for less than five minutes. Fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years; for every child who dies from drowning, five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
The I.I.I. suggests taking the following steps when considering a pool:
You may also want to talk to your agent or company representative about purchasing an umbrella liability policy. For an additional premium of about $200 to $300 a year, you can get $1 million of liability protection over and above what you have on your home. This would also provide added liability protection when you drive.
If the pool, itself, is expensive, you should also have enough insurance protection to replace it in the event it is destroyed by a storm or other disaster.
The I.I.I. also recommends taking the following safety precautions:
For more insurance and safety information, go to the I.I.I. Web site.
Download the related audio file.
The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.