Portable pools, which include wading pools, inflatable pools, and soft-sided, self-rising pools, can be a low-cost and easy-to-set-up alternative to expensive in-ground pools and waterpark visits. Yet many parents underestimate the potential dangers associated with these products. During the summer in the U.S., a child drowns every 5 days in a portable pool. By taking a few precautions, parents and caregivers can help children remain safe as they cool off during hot summer days.

PREVENTING UNSUPERVISED ACCESS TO POOLS

• Only allow children to be in the pool area when an adult is present to supervise.
• Empty wading pools immediately after use.
• The safest option is to place the pool inside a fenced-in area of the yard. The fencing should:
  • be non-climbable
  • be at least 4 feet high
  • have self-closing and self-latching gates that open away from the pool
  • not have any spaces under the fence or between uprights that are more than 4 inches wide
• Remember that the safest type of fencing is isolation fencing, which is 4-sided fencing that goes around the pool only.
• Remove items that could be used by a child to gain entry to the pool area.
• If possible, remove steps and ladders leading from the ground to the pool when the pool is not in use and keep these items locked away.
• Use door locks and alarms to prevent children from going from the house into the pool area without an adult.

SWIMMING RULES

• Children should never swim alone or only with other kids. An adult should always be present when children are in a pool.
• When watching children in the pool, the adult’s full attention is needed. Avoid distractions such as reading, doing chores, talking on the phone, or chatting with others.
• Have children take swimming lessons and learn about water safety.

POOLSIDE SAFETY

• Keep toys out of the pool when not in use.
• Empty wading pools when not in use.
• The following items should be kept by the pool:
  • warning signs
  • CPR instructions
  • a telephone and emergency telephone numbers
  • a shepherd’s crook
  • life jackets

Content provided by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s

For more safety information, visit:

• Farm Safety
• Fire Safety
• Sports & Recreation Safety
• Transportation Safety