Water Safety Strategy

Priority 5: Pools

California Water Safety Priority 5

Goal: To ensure pools in California are safe places for activity and leisure.

Why is this a Priority?

Swimming pools are abundant in California. They are in backyards, apartment complexes, community centers, gyms, hotels, and short-term vacation rentals. Pools are areas of leisure and relaxation, sport and fitness, and for many, an important place for family and community gathering. Despite their important role in our lives, pools also carry risk. Over 100 drowning deaths and 400 non-fatal drowning events occur each year in California pools; children aged one to four years represent 27% of the deaths, 47% of non-fatal emergency department visits, and 60% of non-fatal hospitalizations. (4)

Swimming pools, however, are generally a controlled environment that can be modified to reduce risk.

Pool fencing has been described as “one of the great injury prevention initiatives,” as strong scientific evidence exists for their effectiveness in preventing drowning.(25), (26) California has been a national leader in pool safety legislation, due in large part to sustained advocacy efforts by families who have been affected by drowning. The key action areas identified in this priority outline broad principles that will continue to strengthen pool safety in the state.

This Priority has some overlap with Priority 2: Data, as information on causal factors is lacking; Priority 3: Safe at all Life Stages, as children are an important population for this topic; and Priority 7: Lifeguards, as public and community pool lifeguards are an essential component of safety at these sites. Please see these sections for additional action areas relevant to improving safety at pools.

Knowledge gaps

Despite the high number of pools throughout the state, little is known about the circumstances and situations of drowning events in various types of pools, public perceptions of pool safety legislation, or optimal messages and the effectiveness of pool safety education initiatives.

Key Data Activities

Disaggregate Pool Drowning Events by Type of Pool Most data systems do not differentiate between pools in a single-family residence, a multifamily (e.g., apartment) dwelling, other shared community spaces, or public aquatic facilities. Understanding variation between different types of pools will inform more effective prevention strategies.

Policy Analysis

Review and document existing state and local law related to pool safety. Map current policies against best practice, emerging evidence, and legislation from other locations to inform advocacy efforts.

Public Pool Mapping

Systematically document the location and relevant operational information (hours, programs, etc.) of public pools to identify communities with low or no access to aquatic facilities and programs.

Key Action areas

Community Programs and Education

Community Partnerships

Expand community partnerships to educate about pool safety in a broad variety of environments and among diverse populations.

Consistent Messaging

Develop and deliver consistent materials on pool safety, using evidence-based recommendations whenever possible.

Professional Training and Capacity

Sector-Specific Pool Safety Training

Prioritize water safety education initiatives for professionals with a nexus to pools, such as realtors, builders, risk managers, pool service providers, rental property owners and managers, those in the hotel and short-term vacation rental industry, home inspectors, and architects, among others.

Policy and Systems

Strengthen Pool Safety Policy

Advocate for updates to California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act, and other supporting local policies based on evidence and best practice.

Aquatic Facility Infrastructure

Advocate for the basic maintenance and upkeep of existing public and community pools. Prioritize upgrades, such as pool heaters and accessibility infrastructure, that will expand pool hours and programming and improve Legislation Education and Enforcement Improve education about, and consistent enforcement of currently legislated pool requirements for homeowners, rental properties and lodging.accessibility so all people can take advantage of swim lessons and other opportunities.

Legislation Education and Enforcement 

Improve education about, and consistent enforcement of currently legislated pool requirements for homeowners, rental properties and lodging.