On World Drowning Prevention Day July 25, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminded families that residential pools are the leading location for accidental pool drownings in children under 15 and encouraged 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.
In Virginia, nine children under age 5 have accidentally drowned in 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).
“These drownings sadden us and our community,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, acting health director for CSHD. “Drowning is preventable; watching young children when in and near the water is essential for their safety.”
Central Shenandoah Health District offers the following tips to increase the safety of your residential pool: - Properly fence all pools at least 4 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 1 to 4. Drownings happen quickly and silently. In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days.
Central Shenandoah Health District 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.
