While pool safety should be observed year round, it is absolutely paramount during the summer months. Children are more likely to drown during the months of June, July, and August than any other months during the year. However, one of the most alarming child drowning statistics in recent years involves parent supervision. Of the average 350 drowning deaths for children under five each year, 69% occurred while under the supervision of one or both parents. These children were not expected to even be near the pool, but yet that’s where they were found. If an adult is distracted, even for a few minutes, it can be life or death for small children.

To prevent drowning, the following steps should be taken to ensure full supervision of a child.

  • Do not allow a child to go out by the pool unsupervised.
  • If you are the designated pool watcher or are supervising your children at home, maintain full focus on their activities. Do not read, talk on the phone, text, or listen to music while supervising. Every second counts where drowning is concerned and a distraction will prevent you from getting to the child sooner rather than later.
  • Outline pool safety tips for your entire family before allowing them to use the pool. When everyone is on the same page, lives are saved.
  • Make sure all drains have covers and are NSI/ASME A112.19.8 performance standard compliant. Keep children away from drains, jets, and any other openings where they may get stuck or get snagged.

Child-drowning deaths can also be prevented if additional measures are put in place as safe guards. One of the best safety measures to protect your children from drowning is installing a pool fence.  A Life Saver pool fence will ensure your child cannot get to the pool without you. Four feet high with self-latching gates, a pool fence is specifically designed to keep small children out. Pair that with the fact that it’s made of nearly indestructible textilene mesh and comes with a lifetime guarantee, a Life Saver pool fence is worth every penny. After all, your child’s safety is priceless.

Additional safety measures that can be put in place to prevent drowning, even under adult supervision are:

  • Ensuring you and your children know how to swim, and swim well. However, all young children should have an adult with them in the water at all times.
  • Keep a lifesaver ring for your pool nearby.
  • Install alarms for doors and windows leading out to the pool, on gates, pool cover, and in the actual pool to alert you if your child falls in without your knowledge.
  • Make sure your family knows CPR in case of an emergency. It would also be beneficial to have a phone by the pool so you can alert emergency services immediately.

Remember, parent supervision isn’t enough, especially if a parent becomes distracted. Multiple levels of protection are absolutely necessary to keep children safe around pools.