How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe around Pools this Summer

There are few things as alluring as a swimming pool in the summer. For children especially, swimming is a fun way to cool off, stay active, and spend time with friends.

Unfortunately, summer is also the time of year when we see an increase in tragic news stories involving children drowning. It can be easy to assume these incidents only happen to other families. The reality is that drowning accidents can happen quickly and often when adults least expect them.

This post covers common misconceptions about drowning and practical steps parents can take to prevent pool accidents.

What You Need to Know about Drowning

It’s easy to play armchair quarterback when reading a news story or assume that drowning is obvious and easy to spot.

Here are a few important facts every parent should know:

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Drowning can happen very quickly – sometimes in just seconds.
Drowning is often silent.
Drowning can occur in surprisingly shallow water.

Many people expect drowning to involve screaming, splashing, and flailing arms. In reality, it often looks much more subtle. A child may appear to be treading water, climbing an invisible ladder, or struggling to keep their mouth above the surface.

Because drowning can happen quietly and without obvious signs of distress, awareness and supervision are critical.

Never Assume Someone Else is Watching

One of the most common factors in drowning incidents is a breakdown in supervision.

When multiple adults are present, it’s easy to assume someone else is watching. Parents may assume the host is watching. Hosts may think another parent is paying attention. Older siblings may be expected to help but become distracted.

Always have a clear, designated adult to supervise children. Avoid distractions such as phones, alcohol, or lengthy conversations while serving as the “water watcher.”

Why Swimming Lessons Matter

Swimming lessons are one of the most important steps parents can take in keeping their children safe around water.

According to the CDC, more than half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson. Teaching children how to swim can greatly reduce the risk of drowning.

However, swimming lessons aren’t a substitute for supervision. Even strong swimmers can become tired, panic, or run into an unexpected hazard. Swimming ability should always be paired with supervision.

Local Swimming Lesson Resources

If this post is prompting you to enroll your child in lessons, here are a few organizations in the greater Tacoma area that offer lessons for both children and adults:

Availability, age requirements, and pricing may vary. Contact each organization directly for current schedules and registration information.

Pool Safety Features Parents Should Watch For

Physical barriers, when combined with supervision, can help provide an added layer of protection.

Here are some safety features to look for:

Four-sided fencing with self-closing gates
Pool alarms
Secure pool covers
Clearly marked pool depths
Removal of toys when the pool is not in use
Safe storage of pool chemicals
Properly covered and maintained drains

These features help reduce the risk of unsupervised access and can help prevent accidents.

Pool Safety at a Friend or Family Member’s House

Many parents are diligent about safety at home but don’t always think to ask questions when visiting someone else’s pool.

If your child will be swimming at a friend of family member’s home, it may be helpful to have a conversation beforehand.

Consider asking:

Who will supervise the children?
Is the pool fenced?
Are there life jackets available if needed?
How deep is the pool?
Are there posted rules?

Taking a few minutes ahead of time to get answers to questions like these can help you spot potential concerns before children enter the water.

Establishing Clear Family Rules around Pools

Swimming lessons and physical safety measures matter. But it’s equally important that your children understand your family’s expectations around water safety.

Your rules may vary depending on your child’s age, maturity level, and swimming ability, but here are a few common guidelines to get started:

No rough housing or pushing near the pool.
No running on pool decks or wet surfaces.
No swimming without an adult present.
No diving unless the pool is deep enough and the child is capable.
Stay within approved swimming depths.

When visiting a new pool, take a few minutes to read any posted rules and discuss them with your child. Every pool is different, and understanding the rules ahead of time can help prevent accidents.

Pool Owners Have Additional Responsibilities

If you own a swimming pool, you have an added responsibility to help protect guests and prevent unauthorized access to the water.

Some steps pool owners should consider include:

Installing and maintaining appropriate fencing and self-latching gates
Using pool alarms and safety covers when not in use
Establishing clear rules for guests
Storing chemicals and pool equipment safety
Prohibiting pool use when you’re not at home

Remember, as the pool owner, you are empowered to set your own rules.

If Your Child is Injured in a Pool

If your child was hurt at someone else’s pool, you may be able to take legal action.

A personal injury lawyer can help determine if the pool owner was negligent in some way – for instance, if they failed to install appropriate fencing. Claims like these are often complex, so your best move is to involve an injury lawyer who can help investigate what happened and help you navigate the legal process.

For more information, see our post on swimming pool accidents and lawsuits.

Need to Talk to a Tacoma Personal Injury Lawyer?

If your child was injured in a pool accident and you have questions about your legal options, the team at Ladenburg Law Injury Attorneys is here to help.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations and can help you understand your rights and next steps. Reach out to us by calling 253.272.5226 or filling out the short form on our website.