Backyard swimming pools are fun, but also dangerous. Accidents can happen fast, and they’re often silent. For parents, it's not just about teaching kids to swim. It's a topic that applies to all pool owners; safety features should be in place whether there are children around or not.
Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared that drowning deaths in children aged 1-4 years rose 28% in 2022 compared to 2019 (pre-COVID). It also stated that drowning is the leading cause of death among children in that age group; the second highest drowning death rate is among adults 65 and older. It is also one of the three leading causes of unintentional death for ages five through 34.
Whether it's in-ground or an above-ground pool, a safe environment involves more than pool rules. It includes backups that deliver extra layers of protection for water safety.
The Gate Comes First
A pool gate is one of the strongest ways to help keep kids out of the water when you’re not around. “If you have a pool you should have a gate around it,” says Dr. Tory Twito, DO, with Bluebird Kids Health. And not just any gate for your pool fence—it needs to be designed to stop little climbers and close itself every time.
Here’s what to look for in a good pool gate:
- Not climbable (no footholds or bars that make it easy to scale the fence panel).
- Self-closing and self-latching
- At least 4 feet high
- Fully surrounds the pool deck on all sides
This isn’t just for toddlers. Unsupervised children of all ages can be curious and unpredictable. “[They're] always in search of ways to have fun,” says Dr. Twito, acknowledging that even older children can gain unauthorized access. A locked gate can help stop them before they get too close to the water.
Pool Safety Alarms Add a Second Layer of Security
Even with a gate, accidents happen. That’s where alarms come in. Swimming pool alarms can alert you the moment something enters the water or if a gate opens.
There are a few types of pool alarms to know about:
- Subsurface pool alarms: "[These] alarms are the best option,” recommends Dr. Twito. They detect waves or motion under the water. They’re often more reliable than surface alarms.
- Smart alarms: These connect to your phone and send instant alerts if something moves in or around the water. Even if you think you'll get lots of false alarm notifications from things like floating leaves or pool toys, it's worth having it—and paying attention to it.
- Flotation devices with cameras: Some newer floating pool alarms let you watch pool activity live from your phone.
- Gate alarms: These alert you if the pool gate is opened.
Audible alarm functions can’t replace a visual watch, but they can help you react. Water safety devices are especially useful if anyone in the area manages to slip outside without notice.
Stay Close, Stay Alert
Technology helps, but nothing replaces adult supervision. Accidental drowning is fast and silent. There’s often no splash or cry for help. “You never want to take your eyes off your child,” says Dr. Twito.
Even shallow water is dangerous. “It only takes a few inches of water for a child to drown,” says Dr. Twito. That includes bathtubs, kiddie pools, buckets, and toilets—so imagine the risks with a larger pool.
Here are simple ways to stay safer:
- Watch your child at all times around water
- Have one adult on “pool duty” during parties or playdates
- Don’t rely on older siblings to supervise
- Enroll your child in swim lessons with a certified instructor
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices for non-swimmers
- Learn the visual cues of someone drowning
- Always call 9-1-1 if you see someone drowning
It’s also a good idea to keep rescue equipment and a phone near the pool, just in case you need to act fast.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a poolside alarm and a subsurface alarm?
A regular pool alarm often sits on the surface or pool wall and reacts to movement. Subsurface alarms sit below the water and are more accurate in detecting real danger, like a child falling in. Surface alarms can be triggered by wind or toys, while subsurface models tend to give fewer false alerts.
Is a gate still needed if I’m using a safety cover?
Yes. Pool covers can add another layer of safety, but they’re not foolproof. Children can still crawl under some covers or fall in if the cover isn’t on properly. A proper gate is always a stronger first line of protection.
