Swimming Pool Accidents

Owning a swimming pool can provide hours of enjoyment for your family, but it is important to remember that pools can also be extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, many people, especially young children, are injured in pool-related accidents every year. Swimming pool accidents include diving accidents, water contamination, and drownings.

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

• Never leave children unobserved around water. Adult supervision is recommended.
• Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can immediately call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
• Learn CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR as well.
• Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number near the pool.
• Enclose the pool on all sides with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide.
• Never leave furniture near the fence that could enable climbing over the fence.
• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal flotation devices are suggested.
• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract children to the water.
• Pool covers should be completely removed before using the pool.
• If a child is missing, make sure to check the pool first. Seconds count in drowning accidents.

Primary Swimming Pool Accident Risk Factors

Alcohol

Alcohol use is associated with up to half of all adolescent and adult water-related deaths. Alcohol affects balance, coordination, and judgment, and its effects are increased by sun exposure and heat.

Lack of Supervision and Barriers

Most young children who drown in pools were last seen in the home, were in the care of one or both parents at the time, and had been out of sight less than five minutes. Barriers, such as pool fencing, can help prevent children from gaining access to the pool area without caregivers’ awareness.