July 24, 2025
Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov
Chesapeake Health Department Offer Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings
World Drowning Prevention Day is July 25
CHESAPEAKE, Va. – As World Drowning Prevention Day approaches, the Chesapeake Health Department 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 drownings involving children under age 15 in pools or spas occurred in residential settings. That number grows to 85% for children 0-5 years old.
In Virginia, nine children under age five have accidentally drowned pools in 2025, an increase from the last five years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022, eight in 2021 and four in 2020).
“You can never start water safety education too early”, said Dr. Nancy Welch, Health Director, Chesapeake Health Department. “Prevention begins with preparedness. Never swim alone. Actively supervise children and ensure they have properly fitted and approved floatation devices. Pay attention to weather reports and know your surroundings. Swimming is part of summer. Let’s make it fun and safe for all to enjoy for years to come.”
Chesapeake 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. In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days.
Chesapeake 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.
Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. Drownings happen quickly and silently. In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days.
Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Swim safe. Stay safe!
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