As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, families eagerly open their backyard pools or pack up the kids and head to community swimming areas to beat the summer heat. Swimming is a fantastic way for children to stay active, have fun, and cool off—but it also comes with serious safety risks. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths among children, particularly those aged 1 to 4 years old.
The good news? Most water-related tragedies are preventable. With proper precautions, supervision, and education, parents and caregivers can significantly reduce the risk and ensure that pool time remains a safe and joyful experience for the whole family.
Here’s the 10 best practices to keep your children safe at the pool this summer.
- Constant Supervision Is Non-Negotiable
The single most important rule when it comes to pool safety: never leave children unattended near water. Even if your child is a strong swimmer, accidents can happen in seconds. Assign a designated adult “Water Watcher” whose only job is to monitor the pool, without distractions like texting, reading, or chatting.
- Always remain within arm’s reach of young children.
- Use a physical “Water Watcher” tag to remind adults whose turn it is.
- If in a group, establish clear shifts for adult supervision to avoid lapses.
- Teach Children Water Safety and Swimming Skills Early
Swimming lessons can be life-saving. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting swim lessons by age 1, depending on a child’s readiness. These lessons should emphasize water survival skills, such as floating, treading water, and getting to the pool’s edge. The YMCA and other Community Centers offer affordable swimming lessons for children of all ages.
- Practice safe pool habits at home (e.g., no running near the pool, entering feet first).
- Teach your child to ask permission before getting into any body of water.
- Reinforce the importance of staying away from drains or suction outlets.
- Secure Your Pool Area With Layers of Protection
Think of pool safety like an onion—layers of protection work best. No single device or strategy is foolproof, but combining several increases safety dramatically.
Must-have safety features:
- Four-sided fencing that completely surrounds the pool, at least 4 feet high, with a self-latching, self-closing gate.
- Pool covers (manual or automatic) strong enough to support the weight of a child or pet.
- Alarms on doors, gates, and even the pool surface to alert you to unexpected access.
Don’t rely on just one barrier. A child might slip through a fence gap or climb over a gate—but multiple layers reduce the chance of tragedy.
- Learn CPR and Emergency Response
In emergencies, every second counts. Knowing CPR can be the difference between life and death while waiting for first responders. All parents, caregivers, babysitters, and older siblings should consider getting certified through organizations like the Red Cross or American Heart Association.
- Keep a phone near the pool in case of emergency.
- Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions in a visible location.
- Have a first aid kit and rescue tools (like a life ring and reaching pole) poolside.
- Remove Temptations and Hazards
When the pool is not in use, take precautions to eliminate anything that might entice a child to go near it.
- Removing floats, toys, and pool noodles from the water and surrounding area.
- Draining kiddie pools after use and storing them upside down.
- Locking pool chemicals in a secure area, out of reach of children.
- Set and Enforce Pool Rules
Children thrive with structure, and pool safety should be no exception. Set clear, consistent rules and explain why each one matters.
Consider posting your family’s pool rules, such as:
- No swimming without an adult present.
- No diving in shallow areas.
- No pushing, dunking, or horseplay.
- Stay away from pool drains and jets.
These rules also apply to teen swimmers and their friends. Lead by example. If children see adults following the rules, they’re more likely to follow suit.
- What is Drowning?
Drowning happens when a child breathes water into their lungs, and the symptoms might show up right away or take some hours. You might hear people say ‘dry drowning’ when the symptoms are delayed, but that’s not really a term doctors use. Warning signs to watch for after a child has been in the water:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain
- Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
- Vomiting
If your child shows any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention—even if the incident seemed minor at the time.
- Protect Against Sun and Heat
While water helps keep kids cool, they can still suffer from sunburn, heat exhaustion, or dehydration during extended outdoor play.
Poolside protection checklist:
- Apply water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every two hours.
- Provide shade areas using umbrellas or pop-up tents.
- Offer water breaks every 20–30 minutes, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid swimming during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Be Extra Cautious Around Inflatable Pools and Water Features
Backyard inflatable pools may seem harmless, but they can be just as dangerous as permanent ones. Even a few inches of water can pose a risk for toddlers
- Never leave water in inflatable or plastic pools when not in use.
- Always supervise splash pads and sprinklers—slippery surfaces can lead to falls.
- Ensure all detachable hoses and fixtures are stored safely to prevent trips and tangles.
- Use Life Jackets (Not Floaties) for Non-Swimmers
Floaties, noodles, and water wings are not safety devices. They give a false sense of security and can slip off or deflate. The only trusted flotation for non-swimmers is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- For toddlers and young children near water
- On boats, docks, and lakes
- During swimming lessons for extra safety
Teach children that life jackets are normal and necessary—not a punishment.
Make Pool Time Fun AND Safe
Summer memories are often made by the pool. By making safety a non-negotiable part of your pool routine, you’re giving your children the freedom to enjoy these moments in the safest environment possible.
A Quick Safety Recap:
- Supervise constantly
- Install physical barriers
- Start swim lessons early
- Learn CPR and keep emergency tools handy
- Enforce pool rules and remove temptations
- Use proper safety gear—not floaties
- Be aware of heat, sun, and delayed drowning symptoms
This summer, let’s all do our part to keep kids safe. Water fun should make memories—not headlines. Dive into the season with joy, and with peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken every step to protect your little swimmers.