July 24, 2026
Media Contact: RaShel Charles, RaShel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov
Crater Health District Offers Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings
World Drowning Prevention Day is July 25
Petersburg, Va. – As World Drowning Prevention Day approaches, the Crater Health Department (CHD) reminds families that residential pools are the leading location for accidental pool drownings in children under 15 and encourages homeowners to ensure that their pools have proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of drowning or injury.
According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 70% of pools or spas drowning in children under age 15 occurred in residential settings. That number grows to 85% for children 0-5 years old.
Drownings can happen anywhere and children are especially at risk. Last year, the Virginia Department of Health reported a six-year high of 12 pool drownings in children 0 to 5 years old.
“Drowning is fast, silent, and preventable, and every loss is a tragedy that impacts families and communities. As World Drowning Prevention Day approaches, we urge everyone to stay vigilant around water, practice active supervision, and ensure children and adults alike have access to swimming and water‑safety skills. Prevention is essential and together we can reduce risk and save lives,” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr.
Crater Health Department offers the following tips to increase the safety of your residential pool:
- Properly fence all pools at least four feet in height around the perimeter of the pool/spa.
- Use a self-closing and self-latching gate.
- Use anti-entrapment drain covers. Encourage swimmers to stay away from drains and other pool openings.
- Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use and when adults are not present.
- Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use with adult supervision.
- Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area that will alert you when someone enters the pool area.
- Empty and put away smaller portable pools after every use. Cover larger portable pools.
- Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard.
Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. Drownings happen quickly and silently. It takes as little as 20 seconds for a child to drown.
Crater Health Department reminds families to:
- Always watch kids in and around the water – and designate a water watcher.
- Teach children to swim – or sign them up for swim classes.
- Know life-saving skills, including CPR for adults and children.
Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Swim safe. Stay safe!
# # #