Pool and spa safety checklist for a home pool

In 2023, 379 children died in pool- or spa-related drownings, 6 percent more than the year before. From 2021 to 2023, nearly 80 percent of the children who drowned were under 5, and more than 70 percent of the drownings happened at a home. Watch children whenever they are in or near the water, and never leave them alone there.

The barrier

• Fence the pool or spa on all sidesThe fence needs to be at least four feet high.
• Check that the gate closes and latches on its ownOpen it, let go, and watch it shut and latch.
• Put alarms on the doors and windows that lead to the poolA pool alarm adds another layer.
• Keep the pool and spa covers in working order

Drains and the spa

• Keep everyone away from drains and suction outletsThe suction can trap even an adult, especially in a spa or a shallow pool. Children's hair, limbs, jewelry or swimsuits can get stuck in a drain opening.
• Stay out of a pool with a loose, broken or missing drain cover
• Find the spa's emergency vacuum shutoff before anyone gets in
• Check whether the pool or its equipment has been recalled
• Put an inflatable pool away when nobody is using it

The people

• Name an adult Water WatcherThat adult's only job is watching the children in the water.
• Keep the Water Watcher off the phone
• Keep a phone close by for an emergency
• Look in the pool first if a child is missing
• Sign the children up for swimming lessonsLow-cost lessons are often available through YMCAs, USA Swimming chapters and parks and recreation departments.
• Learn CPRBystanders are often the first to help a drowning victim. Many hospitals, community centers and the American Red Cross offer classes.
• Teach children never to climb the fence or the gateTeach them to stay away from drains, too.