Enjoying your in-ground or above ground Pennsylvania pool can make your summer a very enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, many are people are negligent when it comes to practice safety around their pool. You should take safeguards to protect against accidents near your in-ground or above ground PA pool.
Swimming Injuries: Prevention Tips to Keep Your Family Safe Around the Pool
Understanding Swimming Injuries and Risks
Swimming injuries can occur suddenly and have serious consequences. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–2022, an increase of approximately 500 deaths per year compared to 2019 . This equates to about 12 drowning deaths per day.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that, on average, there were an estimated 6,300 pool- or spa-related, hospital emergency department-treated, nonfatal drowning injuries each year for 2020 through 2022, involving children younger than 15 years of age . Notably, 76% of these injuries involved children under the age of 5.
These statistics underscore the importance of vigilant supervision and adherence to safety measures around swimming areas to prevent such tragedies.
Practice Safety
A Closer Look at Child Drowning Statistics
If you’re a parent, these numbers are even more alarming. The CDC reveals that drowning is the leading cause of death for children under four. Even more concerning, 76% of all drowning deaths in the U.S. involve children five years old or younger.
Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool in Shickshinny, prioritizing pool safety is critical to preventing avoidable tragedies.
How to Prevent Swimming Injuries and Drownings
With a few proactive safety measures, you can drastically reduce the risk of injury or fatality around your pool this summer.
Always Supervise Children
- Never leave children unattended near the water.
- Stay within arm’s reach of young children, even if they know how to swim.
- Appoint a designated water watcher—someone responsible for actively supervising the pool area whenever people are swimming.
- Encourage weak or non-swimmers to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices.
- Avoid swimming alone—use the buddy system at all times.
Secure Your Pool Properly
A safe pool is a protected pool. Take the following precautions:
- Install a pool fence or barrier at least 4 feet high to prevent unsupervised access.
- Consider self-closing and self-latching gates for extra security.
- Use pool alarms or motion detectors to alert you when someone enters the pool area.
Enforce Pool Rules
Establish and clearly communicate poolside safety rules, such as:
- No diving in shallow areas
- No running near the pool
- Stay away from drain covers
- No rough play or pushing
Consistent enforcement ensures everyone understands that the pool is a place for fun with responsibility.
Use a Pool Safety Cover
When the pool is not in use, cover it with a sturdy safety cover. This prevents accidental falls—especially important if young children or pets are nearby.
Protect What Matters Most & Practice Safety
Swimming is a wonderful way to enjoy the summer, but it comes with risks that shouldn’t be ignored. With careful planning, supervision, and pool safety protocols, you can keep your loved ones safe and reduce the likelihood of swimming injuries or drowning.
If you’re a pool owner in Pennsylvania, make safety your top priority. A few small steps can make a life-saving difference.
Contact Skovish Pools & Spas today for any pool questions, products and more you may need.
