Swimming pool safety

Most childhood drownings occur in swimming pools. If you have a pool in your home, make sure that you follow safety measures established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.¹ When visiting public or private pools, make sure your children are supervised closely and that they are familiar with pool safety rules.

The following measures can help prevent drowning tragedies:

Pool safety

• All pool owners should be certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• If a child is missing, look immediately in the pool. Every second counts in drowning accidents.
• Never let your child swim without an adult present.
• Always have your child wear a life jacket when swimming or boating.
• Inflatable toys or mattresses should not be used when young children are swimming in water above the waist.
• Remove toys from the pool when they are not in use. Young children attracted to the toys can fall in when reaching for them.
• Any doors leading from the house to the pool should be fitted with an alarm that sounds any time the door is opened unexpectedly.

Pool equipment

• Install a power safety cover for when the pool is not in use. This is a motor-powered device that acts as a barrier over the water.
• Keep rescue equipment by the pool. This includes a portable phone with emergency numbers, a life preserver, and a shepherd's hook.
• Above-ground pools that are not in use should be inaccessible. Secure steps and ladders to prevent an unsupervised child from climbing into the pool.
• Install underwater pool alarms that can be heard inside the house and in nearby areas. Alarms that can be used with pool covers are recommended.
• Install fences and walls around the entire pool. Fences should be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) high, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Latches should be out of a young child's reach.