Swimming Pool Accident Claims

Going to the swimming pool is a fun and relaxing leisure activity for adults and children alike. Whether you are on holiday or swim regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the swimming pool operator must take all reasonable measures to make your visit as safe as possible.

A swimming pool accident can have various consequences, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries that may permanently affect your life. Common types of negligence that may lead to accidents include damaged tiles, water contaminants, using too many chemicals and lack of warning signs.

If you were harmed due to someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to make a swimming pool accident claim. To find out if your case has merit, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form for a free consultation with a personal injury solicitor.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Can I make a swimming pool accident claim?
• What evidence do I need to claim compensation?
• Common types of swimming pool accidents
• Injuries and illnesses that may arise from swimming accidents
• Can I claim for a swimming pool accident on holiday abroad?
• Frequently asked questions:
• What is the time limit to make an injury claim?
• How much compensation can I claim for a swimming pool injury?
• Can I make a compensation claim on behalf of my child?
• Will I receive a No Win No Fee service?

Can I make a swimming pool accident claim?

If you were injured due to a swimming pool slip, water contaminants or another accident, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation. The easiest way to find out whether you can start legal proceedings is through a free consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions about your situation to determine whether:

• The defendant in your claim owed you a duty of care
• They breached their duty by acting negligently
• Their negligence led to a swimming pool accident
• You suffered an injury or illness as a result within the past three years

Usually, your solicitor will refer to legislation such as the Occupiers Liability Act 1984 to prove a duty of care and negligence. They may also refer to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 if you suffered a swimming pool injury while doing your job. Once liability is established, your lawyer will help you gather all the evidence you need to begin your claim.

What evidence do I need to claim compensation?

If you want to claim compensation for a swimming pool accident, you need relevant proof to show how the accident occurred and how it has affected your life. The types of evidence you could use include:

• Medical record of your diagnosis, treatments you received and recovery prospects;
• Independent medical reports about any long-term or permanent effects of your injury and future care needs;
• You can use an accident report form to prove the date, time and location of the incident, so you should file one with the swimming pool operator immediately after the accident;
• If CCTV cameras captured your accident, you have the right to request a copy of the relevant footage;
• Photographs of any hazards that contributed to your accident before anything is moved or repaired and of visible injuries you suffered;
• Witness statements from anyone who saw your accident and can confirm your version of the events if liability is denied;
• Your notes regarding the circumstances of the accident and how it has affected your life;
• Proof of any related financial losses and expenses you incurred, such as medical bills, care costs and lost wages during recovery.

Common types of swimming pool accidents

Swimming pool accidents can occur due to various types of negligence, such as:

• Inadequate training and lack of protective equipment for employees
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
• Poor pool management and a lack of supervision
• Lack of proper hygiene and incorrect chlorine levels
• Lack of correct signage to warn visitors of dangers
• Faulty drainage and filtration systems

These and other hazards can lead to various types of swimming pool accidents, including:

• Drowning and near-drowning. These can be due to a lack of safeguards or proper signage of the pool depth. Other causes include faulty ladders, pool pumps or drain covers.
• Slips, trips and falls. Swimming pool slips and trips can be due to excessive water around the pool or in changing rooms, objects left in walkways, uneven pavements and other hazards.
• Hit by an object. You may be struck and injured due to improperly secured pool equipment, overhanging tree branches, objects from the surrounding structures and other causes.
• Diving accidents. Swimming pool diving accidents may occur if the pool is too shallow or the diving board is too slippery or damaged, which may lead to severe injuries.
• Exposure to chemicals. Improper handling or storage of pool chemicals can result in chemical exposure, leading to respiratory problems, skin irritation, or eye injuries.
• Entrapment. Faulty drainage systems may suck in your hair, jewellery, bathing suit or body part and make it impossible to free yourself due to the immense pressure they exert.
• Water contaminants. Swimming in pools with inadequate sanitation or water treatment can expose you to bacteria such as Legionella, E. coli or Cryptosporidium, which can cause various illnesses.
• Electrocution. Faulty wiring or electrical equipment near the pool can lead to electrical injuries, including electric shocks.

If you suffered any injury due to these or other causes, you may be entitled to make a swimming pool accident claim.

Injuries and illnesses that may arise from swimming accidents

An accident in a swimming pool can lead to many injuries and diseases that vary in severity, such as:

• Head injuries. Head injuries can vary widely in severity and type, depending on the force and nature of the impact. These may range from mild bruises and concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries may result from a swimming pool diving accident or slipping and hitting your head on the ground.
• Back injuries. Injuries to the back may range from mild strains to more severe spinal damage. They may be due to swimming pool slips, diving accidents, physical exertion or colliding with items left in walkways. Severe injuries can have a lifelong impact on the victim, such as paralysis or loss of sensation.
• Cuts and bruises. These are relatively common injuries around the pool and can result from various causes, such as slips and falls, sharp edges, broken glass or entrapment. While they are usually minor and do not require medical attention, more severe lacerations can lead to infections and may leave permanent scars.
• Fractures. Broken bones in swimming accidents can occur due to many different reasons that involve a forceful impact on an object or surface. They can affect any body part, including the ribs, wrists, legs and skull. Simple fractures may fully heal in six to eight weeks, while more severe ones may take several months to heal and cause long-term mobility issues.
• Sprains and strains. Sprains affect ligaments, while strains involve the stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons. Such injuries can occur due to various factors, often involving sudden movements, slips, or collisions. While minor sprains and strains can heal with rest, more severe ones may need surgery and physical therapy to recover.
• Chemical burns. Chemical burns can occur when pool chemicals, such as chlorine or other disinfectants, come into contact with the skin or eyes. They can be due to mishandling pool chemicals, improper maintenance, or exposure to high concentrations of these substances. Swimming pool operators must adhere to the recommended safety guidelines and protocols for handling, storing, and adding pool chemicals to avoid such injuries.
• Infections. Exposure to contaminated pool water can lead to various infections that may affect the skin, gut, ears, eyes or the respiratory system. It is essential to implement and enforce proper hygiene practices and regularly test and maintain water quality to minimise the risk of infections in swimming pool environments.

If you suffered any of these or other harm due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim swimming pool injury compensation.

Can I claim for a swimming pool accident on holiday abroad?

You may be able to make a personal injury claim even if you suffered a swimming pool accident on holiday abroad. As long as another party was at fault, you should be eligible to claim compensation. The claims process will depend on your travel arrangements:

If you had an accident at a hotel’s swimming pool booked through a holiday company as part of a package, you might be protected by the Package Travel Regulations 1992. In this case, you could make your claim in the UK if

• The tour operator is based in the UK or an EU country
• You booked a package holiday in the UK
• You paid an inclusive price for the services you booked
• Your contract mentions the term package or a similar one

Your solicitor will review the terms of your holiday package and determine whether you have a swimming pool injury claim against your tour operator.

If you do not qualify to claim under the Package Travel Regulations or booked your holiday separately, you may have to claim directly in the country where you were injured. That can sometimes be to your advantage, as it may result in a higher compensation award.

The time limit to start a compensation claim could vary considerably from country to country if you had a holiday accident abroad, so you should always speak to a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions:

If you or a loved one were injured in a swimming pool accident, you may want to claim compensation. Below, we have answered some of the most common concerns claimants have about making a claim. For more information, please call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back from a friendly legal adviser.

What is the time limit to make an injury claim?

Typically, the time limit to start a claim is three years after an accident in a swimming pool. This limitation date is set out by the Limitation Act 1980, and your case will no longer be valid after this time has passed. However, several exceptions apply to this rule:

• If your injury or illness did not become immediately apparent after your accident, the three years begin from the date of knowledge. This date refers to when you became aware you suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence.
• There is no time limit if the injured party is a child; a suitable adult could claim for them anytime. The three years begin on a person’s 18th birthday, from which they have until turning 21 to start legal proceedings.
• The time limit is suspended if the claimant lacks mental capacity due to the swimming accident or a pre-existing injury or illness, such as Down syndrome. A litigation friend could represent them in a legal case at any time.

How much compensation can I claim for a swimming pool injury?

The amount of compensation you could claim for a swimming pool accident will depend on the type and severity of your injury. Your settlement will cover two kinds of damages:

General damages are awarded for your injury and how it affected your life. Examples include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, scarring, loss of amenities and reduced quality of life. The award for general damages is based on the guidelines from the Judicial College and could be anywhere from £2,090 for a minor back injury to £344,640 for a severe head injury. You can find out more about how much compensation you are entitled to by referring to our compensation calculator.

Special damages are awarded for the financial losses and expenses that have resulted from your injury. These include but are not limited to medical bills, loss of earnings, travel expenses and care costs during recovery. Your solicitor will determine how much you are entitled to claim based on evidence such as receipts and invoices.

Can I make a compensation claim on behalf of my child?

If your child suffered an injury at a swimming pool due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to claim on their behalf. To do so, your solicitor will help you apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend. The court will appoint you if you are suitable and can conduct legal proceedings fairly and competently.

If you claim injury compensation for your child, the claims process will be the same as for any other swimming accident. You will help your solicitor gather evidence to support the case and will have additional responsibilities, such as signing legal documents and paying any fees requested by the court. If your claim is successful, you must also attend an Infant Approval Hearing in court. At the hearing, a judge will examine the available evidence and decide whether the injury compensation is fair and covers the child’s needs and losses.

Will I receive a No Win No Fee service?

Yes. If you have a valid claim for an accident in a swimming pool, your solicitor will work on a no win no fee* basis. That means you will not have to pay them anything upfront and will not lose a single penny if your case fails. Your solicitor only receives a success fee from your compensation award if they win the claim (a maximum of 25%).

Moreover, they will also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance for you, so you won’t pay the litigation costs if your case fails. The ATE policy covers legal expenses and disbursements such as court fees, medical reports, travel costs and the defendant’s solicitors.

If you would like to learn more about how to start your claim, please call 0800 470 0474 today for a free consultation or use our online claim form to request a call back.

Last edited on 7th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.