Private Pools & Jacuzzi
Drowning Risks
Most drownings occur in private backyard pools or spas. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children under 5 years of age. Most toddlers who have drowned were not expected to have been in the pool area but somewhere else in the home. This is why layers of protection is so important. While drownings happen year-round in some regions of the U.S., most occur during the warmer months between April and September, with most in early to mid June.
Before you bring a new baby into a home with a pool or before you buy a home with a pool or build a new pool, make sure your pool has the necessary layers of protection you need for various types of pools. From built in pools, to above ground to even inflatable and plastic wading pools carry a drowning risk. In addition, depending on if your pool is in-use or no-in-use carry different risks.
Even if you are a pool or spa owner but do not have children living in your home, be aware that many children under the age of 5 who have drowned in a private pool or spa were not expected to have been in the pool area but somewhere else in the home either sleeping or playing. This is why layers of protection are so important. Children drown without a sound. A child can drown in as little water as it takes to cover their mouth and nose and can sustain irreversible brain damage or death in only 4-6 minutes. As a note, this risk also includes other bodies of water such as fountains and ponds, and inside the home in bathtubs, toilets, buckets, etc. (for addition prevention information visit Childproofing You Home). The following layers of protection will help prevent a child from drowning in a pool or spa.
At the bottom of this page, you can download pool safety material, call Pro Consumer Safety injury prevention experts for questions on pool safety, and shop for pool safety products at the Baby Store.
Even if you are a pool or spa owner but do not have children living in your home, be aware that many children under the age of 5 who have drowned in a private pool or spa were not expected to have been in the pool area but somewhere else in the home either sleeping or playing. This is why layers of protection are so important. Children drown without a sound. A child can drown in as little water as it takes to cover their mouth and nose and can sustain irreversible brain damage or death in only 4-6 minutes. As a note, this risk also includes other bodies of water such as fountains and ponds, and inside the home in bathtubs, toilets, buckets, etc. (for addition prevention information visit Childproofing You Home). The following layers of protection will help prevent a child from drowning in a pool or spa.
At the bottom of this page, you can download pool safety material, call Pro Consumer Safety injury prevention experts for questions on pool safety, and shop for pool safety products at the Baby Store.
Layers of Protection
Pool In-Use
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Pool Not-In-Use
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Smaller Plastic & Inflatable Pools
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Larger Inflatable Pools
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