SPRINGFIELD - As temperatures continue to rise across Illinois, pools remain one of the most popular ways for families to cool off and enjoy the summer. Whether you're spending the day at a neighborhood pool, visiting a local aquatic center, or relaxing in your own backyard, it's important to remember that fun in the water comes with responsibility. A moment of distraction can quickly turn into a life-threatening emergency, making constant supervision and safe swimming practices essential. By taking a few simple precautions, families can help prevent drownings and water-related injuries while ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and memorable summer.
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"A day at the pool should create lasting memories for all the right reasons. Unfortunately, drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent, making constant supervision absolutely critical,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “Designate a Water Watcher, put your phone away, and keep your full attention on children whenever they are in or around the water. A few moments of distraction can have lifelong consequences, but a few simple safety steps can help prevent a tragedy."
Statistics from the American Red Cross show a four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child’s risk of drowning 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14. Each year in the United States, there are more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths, emphasizing the importance of constant supervision and water safety education
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an average of 357 pool- or spa-related drowning deaths each year among children younger than 15 (2020-2022 data). Approximately 75% of those victims were younger than 5 years old. The CPSC also estimates about 6,300 children under age 15 are treated in emergency departments each year for pool- or spa-related nonfatal drowning injuries, with the vast majority involving children younger than 5. More than 70% of fatal child drownings occur in residential settings, underscoring the importance of home pool safety measures.
Pool chemicals, like chlorine, are needed to protect swimmers’ health. However, mishandling pool chemicals can cause serious injuries. Pool chemical injuries lead to about 4,500 U.S. emergency department visits each year, and over one-third of these preventable injuries are in children or teens.
Below are some simple steps to keep children safer in and around the water:
- Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas.
- Check to make sure the gate is locked or closed when leaving the pool or spas.
- Keep the pool and deck clear of floats, balls, and toys after leaving the pool.
- Always ensure children swim with an adult or buddy.
- Designate an adult Water Watcher to supervise children at all times around the water. Stay off your phone, put your book down, and pay attention to whoever is in or around the water!
- Never leave a child unattended in or near water.
- Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.
- Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults.
- Teach children to stay away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid entrapments.
- Ensure any pool or spa has drain covers that comply with federal safety standards. If you are unsure, ask your pool service provider about safer drain covers.
- If you are installing a new pool, hot tub, or spa, be sure the wiring is performed by an electrician experienced in the special safety requirement for these types of installations.
- Install door alarms and locks that are out of the reach of a child on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool or spa area.
- For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders and anything that can be used for access (such as outdoor furniture and toys) whenever the pool is not being actively supervised by an adult.
- Empty or flip over inflatable pools when you are finished using them for the day.
Take the Pool Safety Pledge by visiting: www.poolsafety.gov/pledge.
