Pool & Water Safety
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. It is fast and silent, and it often happens when adults think someone else is watching.
- Families
Layers of protection
- Four-sided fence at least 4 feet tall that separates the pool from the house and yard, with a self-closing, self-latching gate
- Door and gate alarms; pool covers rated for safety
- Drain covers that meet federal safety standards
- Life jackets (U.S. Coast Guard-approved) for weak swimmers. Pool noodles and floaties aren’t safety devices.
- Swim lessons for children and adults
- CPR training for caregivers. See CPR & AEDs.
Supervision
- Assign a “Water Watcher”: one adult whose only job is watching swimmers, with no phone or alcohol. Switch every 15 minutes or so.
- Stay within arm’s reach of young children in and around water.
- Empty buckets, kiddie pools and coolers after use. Toddlers can drown in a few inches of water.
Electrical safety around water
Pool pumps, lights and outlets near water must be GFCI-protected and maintained by a qualified electrician. If swimmers feel tingling, get everyone out without touching metal, and shut off power.
Standards & references
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