Swimming Pool Risks

How Do They Compare to Other Accidental Risks?

Kenneth A. Solomon

Expert InsightsPublished 1993

Society has become increasingly more technological, and the population has engaged in more potentially dangerous recreations and other activities, yet injury rate and death rate by accidental cause has actually decreased since the turn of the century. Could this increasing safety trend continue? To better answer this question, the author examines one particular activity — the swimming pool environment — and contrasts the risk in swimming pools with other issues faced by society. The author observes a number of interesting findings and trends. Of the three primary factors that contribute to safety (product design, government regulation, and human behavior) the most significant factor impacting safety is human behavior. The author finds that generally, by far the most cost effective way to maintain safety — whether it be safety in an aquatic environment or elsewhere — is to educate the public on safety rather than to change product design or institute additional regulations.

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Solomon, Kenneth A., Swimming Pool Risks: How Do They Compare to Other Accidental Risks? Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1993. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P7841.html.
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