Pool and Spa Safety

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Beach & Boating Safety

Take Action

Pools and spas will be used more frequently as warmer weather arrives. Learn how to create safer pool and spa environments for children and what you can do to make your home pool or spa safer.


	Put up a fence that is at least 4 feet high and is around all sides of the pool or spa. The fence should have a locking gate that closes and latches by itself.
	Use door, gate and pool alarms.
	Cover and lock pools and spas when you are not using them.
	Remove or lock ladders to above ground pools and spas.
	Use approved anti-entrapment drain covers and back up devices.

	Always watch children when they are in or near water.
	When you are watching children, don’t be distracted by phone calls, text messages, reading or talking to others.
	Watch children even if they know how to swim.
	Children who can’t swim well or can’t swim at all should be within your reach and wear life jackets
	Keep a phone near you – use it only to call for help if there is an emergency.
	If a child is missing, check the water first.

	Learn how to swim – both children and adults should know how to swim.
	Learn how to correctly choose and use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets
	Learn how to use rescue equipment.
	Learn adult and infant CPR.
	Teach children never to swim alone.
	Teach children not to play or swim near pool or spa drains.

	Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children.
	Most children were being watched by an adult just before they drowned.
	Approximately 400 children age 14 and younger drown in pools and spas each year (CPSC).
	Home swimming pools are the most common place for a child younger than age 5 to drown.

	Water Watcher Card: English \| Español
	Water Watcher Card Instructions
	Pool Safety Checklist: English \| Español
	Pool Safety Brochure: English \| Español
	Residential Pool and Spa Safety Fact Sheet
	Water Safety Kids Activity Book

Where do I learn CPR?

Contact your local health department, hospital or visit the American Red Cross Web site to locate a local Chapter that offers courses year-round.

Where do I learn to swim?

To find swimming lessons, contact your local parks and recreation department, an aquatics center or visit the YMCA Web site to find a YMCA near you.

Water Safety for Kids With Special Needs

Water safety is important for any family, but this is especially true for families of children with special needs.

Safe Kids in Action

We are promoting water safety in communities across the country – read about what local Safe Kids coalitions are doing to keep kids safe in and near water in their local community.

Additional Resources

Parents and Caregivers: make sure to also visit our drowning prevention and water safety resources center.

Teachers and Health Educators: make sure to check out our "Start Safe: Water" educational materials for pre-schoolers.

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007

Read the story behind the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.