Many parents assume that children are the safest in their backyard. In reality, backyard swimming pools can be dangerous without the proper safety precautions.
The good news: Most drownings can be prevented.
Drowning Facts & Statistics
Backyard swimming pools can be a lot of fun, but they can also be dangerous without safety measures in place. Here are swimming pool facts and statistics that everyone should know!
- Drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water, especially to unsupervised children.
- 23% percent of child drownings happen during a family gathering near a pool.
- For children aged 1–4, 87% percent of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs, including pools owned by family or friends.
- A four-sided isolation fence completely separating the pool area from the house and yard reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83%.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
Follow these tips to stay safe around backyard pools!
- Never leave children unsupervised around ANY pool, and ALWAYS ensure there is a Water Watcher on duty!
- Remind children that they are NOT to go near any pool or body of water without permission from an adult.
- Remember, you’re responsible for the safety of children visiting your home!
- DO NOT rely on water wings or any other inflatable flotation device to save a child in a water emergency.
- Always empty baby/inflatable pools after use. Children can drown in less than 2 inches of water.
- Ensure that all toys are removed after use to avoid children reaching in for them.
- Cover above-ground pools when they are not in use, and lock or take down any ladders.
- Fence your yard with a proper latch or lock.
- DO NOT allow any horseplay, breath-holding games, or dunking in your pool.
- Ensure that everyone knows NOT to dive headfirst.
(Click infographic to enlarge.)
