When temperatures rise, many people seek a backyard oasis or a community park swimming pool. However, it’s essential to remember that swimming pools can pose serious risks, especially for children.
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4, and most of these tragedies happen in residential pools—often in the child’s own backyard. Many parents don’t realize that toddlers can drown in just an inch or two of water.
As kids grow older, their comfort in the water often increases, but so can their risk-taking. Older children may engage in rough play, attempt risky dives or overestimate their swimming abilities, putting themselves in danger.
Become more visible
Swimsuits in colors like blue, white, gray or black can blend into the water, making it challenging to see the swimmer, particularly when they are submerged or there are low-light conditions. Studies and safety experts consistently emphasize that neon and high-contrast swimsuit colors such as neon yellow, bright orange and lime green are significantly more visible in pools and natural bodies of water because they stand out against typical water backgrounds, aiding in quicker identification of swimmers.
Note that not all neon colors are equal. Neon pink may be effective in pools with light-colored bottoms but is less visible in natural water settings.
What to do to prevent drowning
Never leave a child unsupervised in or near a pool. Even 20 seconds is too long for a child to be alone in the water.
Constant supervision is essential, as drowning can happen quickly and silently.
Teaching your child to swim is one of the best ways to protect them. The National Safety Council recommends starting swimming lessons around age three. But even if your child can swim, adult supervision is a must. As the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) warns: “If you can’t swim, don’t float.” Non-swimmers using rafts or flotation devices can become separated and drown.
Be prepared for emergencies. Parents should be ready to act immediately. If you have a pool or visit bodies of water, you should know how to swim, how to safely pull someone from the water and how to perform CPR. The American Red Cross strongly recommends CPR training for anyone caring for a child.
Pool fencing and barriers. To help prevent unsupervised access, the USLA recommends that pools be surrounded by a fence at least four feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. According to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, fences can prevent up to 90% of childhood drownings. Even if you don’t have children, a neighborhood child could wander in, making protective barriers a must. While pool covers may seem like added protection, they are not a substitute for proper fencing. Children can drown in water that collects on top of the cover.
Beware of pool drains. These can pose a hidden danger. If blocked, suction increases and can trap a child underwater. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises keeping children away from drains altogether. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends installing multiple drains to reduce suction, using secure, crack-free drain covers and knowing how to shut off the pool pump in an emergency.
Extra safety measures to consider:
Don’t leave objects like benches or boxes near pool fences because children might use them to climb over
Ensure fence openings are no more than four inches wide
If a house borders the pool area, always lock doors leading to the pool
Regularly inspect fences and locks to ensure they’re in good condition
Signs of drowning
Children who are drowning may not be able to call out for help. Watch for these signs of trouble:
A child looks tired while swimming
Only the child’s head is visible
The child is splashing but sinking
What to do if a child is drowning
The Red Cross recommends keeping a long, sturdy pole or a plastic ring buoy attached to a rope by every pool. If a child is still conscious and able to grab hold of something, you can quickly pull her to safety. If you don’t have any lifesaving gear handy, you may be able to improvise with a towel, a pool noodle or anything else a child can grab onto.
Even if you’re a strong swimmer, you should only jump into the water if you’ve been trained in water rescue or do not have other options. Swimming with a flailing child is no easy task because a panicked child may grab you around the neck. When performing a water rescue, always attempt to turn them around and hold them facing away from you.
After removing the child from the water, take the following steps:
Have someone call 911 immediately
If you suspect the child has injured their neck or back, move him as little as possible
Lay the child on a flat, firm surface
If the child isn’t breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
If there is no pulse, administer CPR
