Dive into Summer with a Pool Safety Checklist

As we hit the height of summer, many families will head to a backyard or a community pool to cool off. While being in and around the water can be fun, it is important to know the risks and how to stay safe.

Drowning can happen within seconds. It is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A majority of drowning deaths for children happen in residential pools owned by family, friends or relatives during non-swim times, when children were not intended to be in or near the water. Transition times at the beginning or end of swimming are also risky because there are typically many distractions during these times which result in lapses in supervision.

The good news? Unintentional drownings are largely preventable. For example, research shows that participation in formal water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent for 1 to 4-year-olds.

As a community, we all play an important role in promoting water safety. Before you dive into summer fun, consider this checklist from the Red Cross Aquatics Sub-Council, a division of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, to be guided by the science behind water safety.

Tip #1: Keep a barrier between kids and the pool.

A fenced-in pool is the proven option. Make sure it surrounds the entire pool with self-closing, self-latching gates that aren’t accessible to small children.

Tip #2: Set boundaries.

Take time to instruct children that the pool is only to be used when adults are there to supervise. It seems simple, but it works. But don’t be so trusting that you think your children will always listen to you. If you cannot find a child, check the pool first as water is attractive to them.

Tip #3: Adult supervision is critical.

Regardless of whether kids know how to swim, actively watch over the activity in the water. Take turns designating a water watcher, which is someone who is focused on the kids and not reading a book or using a cell phone.

Tip #4: Practice awareness.

Recognize what a drowning victim looks like. Caution: unlike what you may have seen on television, drowning is mostly silent without splashing. Someone can slip under the water in less than 60 seconds.

Tip #5: Reach or throw, don’t go.

Keep both a reach pole and a throwing device at hand. Jumping in the water to rescue someone should be the job of a trained professional as it could put both you and the drowning person at risk.

Tip #6: Pool covers are critical.

In the offseason, covers prevent access to pools during extended non-use periods. But they can be dangerous if someone gets on top or underneath them. Power safety covers, while expensive, are a good option. Just make sure that they are locked and the key is only available to an adult.

Tip #7: Layer on the protection with a pool alarm.

These devices can detect movement in your pool. They’re not fail-safe, but combined with some of our other tips, will help increase the safety of your pool.

Tip #8: Get trained.

Is your CPR and first aid training current? If not — or if you don’t have certification — consider taking a lifesaving course this summer. You can find a class near you through the location finder on the Red Cross website.

Do your part to be water smart and discuss water safety with the entire family before heading out to the water. For more safety information in other water environments, visit redcross.org/watersafety or download the Red Cross Swim app.