Why Slip-Resistance Matters in Aquatic Facilities
It's true: no one enjoys talking about injuries in aquatics. We love to highlight fun, inspiring new designs and the thrills found at amazing aquatic spaces across the world. But safety matters. At Life Floor, upholding our values, especially Integrity, Innovation, and Positivity, means refusing to shy away from difficult conversations, because they are often the ones that impact real end-users the most. Aquatic facilities are designed to provide fun, relaxation, and exercise for guests of all ages, yet wet surfaces inherently increase the risk of slips and falls. This blog is intended not only to share statistics but to call up our industry leaders so we can make aquatics a more inviting environment for everyone. Safety is a core way we achieve that, so please join us in this important conversation as we work together to create incredible spaces that don't sacrifice safety in the pursuit of design.
Slip-and-Falls in Aquatic Environments
Slip-and-fall incidents are among the leading causes of non-fatal injuries among children aged 0-19 in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls account for more than one million emergency room visits in the U.S. annually. These incidents are widespread in aquatic facilities due to constantly wet surfaces and high foot traffic.
Studies indicate that nearly 20% of slip-and-fall injuries result in serious outcomes such as fractures, abrasions, concussions, or long-term disabilities.
Many lawsuits against aquatic facilities are related to slip-and-fall accidents, leading to costly settlements and increased insurance premiums.
The emotional and psychological impact on anyone who experiences an incident often results in lost trust and reduced attendance.
The Financial and Reputational Impact of Accidents
The financial consequences of slip-and-fall accidents extend far beyond immediate medical costs. Aquatic facilities facing lawsuits can experience settlements averaging between $50,000 and $100,000, with severe cases exceeding $1 million. Indirect costs such as increased insurance premiums, regulatory fines, and operational downtime add to the burden. These statistics underscore the importance of implementing safety measures, such as slip-resistant flooring, in aquatic facilities to mitigate the risk of accidents and associated financial liabilities.
Beyond financial losses, reputational damage can be even more devastating. One highly publicized accident can erode customer confidence and deter new visitors. Negative reviews, social media backlash, and local news coverage can tarnish a facility's image, requiring significant resources to rebuild trust and credibility. With a focus on guest experience, safety surfacing can help build confidence and guest comfort.
How Life Floor Enhances Safety
Life Floor is precisely engineered to address the risks associated with aquatic environments. Unlike traditional surfaces such as concrete or tile, Life Floor provides superior slip resistance, even when wet. Here's how it makes a difference:
Soft and Slip-Resistant: Traditional pool decks and aquatic surfaces often become slippery when wet, leading to a higher risk of accidents. Life Floor’s proprietary foam-rubber material is specifically designed to deliver traction, even under constant water exposure. This stable, high-traction surface helps prevent slips before they happen, giving both guests and facility operators peace of mind.
Cushioned Impact: While preventing falls is the first line of defense, minimizing injury when they do occur is just as critical. Unlike concrete or tile, Life Floor provides a cushioned, forgiving surface that absorbs impact. Whether it’s a child running across a splash pad or an adult losing their footing near a pool edge, Life Floor reduces the severity of falls, helping to keep minor slips from turning into major injuries.
Durability in Wet Environments: Aquatic facilities require surfaces that not only perform well but also endure the rigors of constant use. Life Floor is built to withstand continuous exposure to water, chlorine, UV rays, and other harsh environmental conditions without compromising its safety or performance. This long-lasting durability means operators can trust that their investment will continue to protect guests year after year.
Aesthetic Appeal: Safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of design. Life Floor is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures that allow facilities to create visually engaging spaces while maintaining function. From playful splash pad designs to sleek, modern pool decks, Life Floor enhances the look and feel of aquatic environments, ensuring spaces are not only safer but also more inviting and memorable.
Accessibility Through Visual & Tactile Cues: Beyond slip resistance, Life Floor supports accessibility by providing clear tactile textures and visual markers that guide guests as they move throughout a facility. These cues help swimmers and visitors navigate depth changes, recognize where play zones shift from mild to high-intensity activities, and better anticipate environmental transitions. By integrating both safety and inclusivity, Life Floor ensures that aquatic spaces remain welcoming and easy to navigate for guests of all ages and abilities.
“We are 100% satisfied. Our biggest expectation was to reduce injuries, and [Life Floor] certainly did that. In the smaller pool, we’ve had no issues. We notice it because of the incidence rate. We record every injury we get in the park and saw a significant decrease in injuries. From a data standpoint, it has made a big difference.”
Invest in Safety, Improve Your Facility
Investing in Life Floor means investing in your guests. Our surfacing not only prioritizes safety by reducing slip-and-fall risks but also creates an environment where fun and accessibility go hand in hand. From shaping memorable play experiences to supporting guests of all abilities, Life Floor empowers facilities to deliver spaces that are safe, inclusive, and visually inspiring. By choosing industry-leading safety flooring, aquatic operators strengthen their brand integrity while ensuring every visit is both enjoyable and worry-free.
“We definitely noticed a major decrease in our reports: we hardly have any slips and falls on [Life Floor] or reports of icepack usage. All of that drastically went down. Everyone here, from the guests to the desk staff, has been singing its praises.”
We love seeing people play fearlessly and boundlessly. There isn't one type of play, just as there isn't one type of person. We celebrate what makes each person as unique as our cushioned, slip-resistant surfaces, which invite all types of aquatic fun! Ready to take the next step in safety? Contact Life Floor today to learn how we can help you safeguard your facility.
Sources: CDC Play Safety for Children | CDC Common Injuries | CDC Protect the Ones You Love - Falls | Common Childhood Injuries + How to Stay Safe | Child Safety Network
Note: The projected lawsuit costs cited in the blog post are based on industry estimates and historical legal precedents regarding slip-and-fall settlements.