With the growing popularity of residential pools, experts are warning families to stay alert as drowning risks climb- especially for young children. Public pools remain a summer favorite, but both public and private settings carry hidden dangers. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an average of 379 child deaths from pool or spa drownings annually, with 75 percent involving kids under five. Most of these tragedies happen at home. Nonfatal drowning injuries send about 6,700 children to the ER each year. 

As pool use continues to rise, so does the importance of safety measures. Experts urge homeowners to install proper barriers, supervise children closely, and handle pool chemicals responsibly to prevent these tragedies. 

Here are some steps CPSC recommends you take in order to keep children safe around a body of water: 

• Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas.  
• Check to make sure the gate is locked or closed when leaving the pool or spas. 
• Keep the pool and deck clear of floats, balls, and toys after leaving the pool. 
• Always ensure children swim with an adult or buddy.  
• Designate an adult Water Watcher to supervise children at all times around the water. Stay off your phone, put your book down, and pay attention to whoever is in or around the water! 
• Never leave a child unattended in or near water. 
• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim. 

For more information about pool safety and for additional safety tips, click here.