Developing your family's pool safety plan
How to keep your backyard pool safe and share the plan with your kids
If you have a backyard pool, creating a family pool safety plan is one of the most important things you can do. A strong plan includes adding physical barriers, setting clear pool rules, knowing what drowning really looks like, understanding when to call 911, and learning basic CPR. Just like we have fire drills or car seat rules, water safety should be part of your family's everyday habits.
Below are five key steps to help you develop your own pool safety plan — and teach it to your children in ways that are simple, empowering, and age-appropriate.
What is keeping your child away from the pool?
Have you ever stopped to think about whether or not your child can access your pool without you knowing?
A four-sided isolation fence around your pool — separate from your house or other yard features — reduces a child's risk of drowning by 83%. That's a powerful layer of protection.
While many pools already have a barrier, it's important to ask:
- Can your child open the gate?
- Is the latch too low?
- Is the alarm turned on?
If your child knows how to open the gate, consider adding a lock or pool gate alarm. If your pool is only separated by your back door, install an alarm on the door so you're alerted any time your child enters the backyard.
Resources for getting an isolation fence installed around your pool in Brevard County
Baby Guard Pool Fence Melbourne
Baby Gate Pool Fence in Brevard County
DIY options
Amazon: Pool Fence DIY by Life Saver
Amazon: Safety Fencing Pool Fence
Have you established pool rules & practiced them with your kids?
Once your children are old enough to understand, it's time to establish and reinforce clear pool rules. These should be discussed before every swim, and ideally posted somewhere near the pool.
Here are a few of my pool rules that I discuss during swim lessons:
Try this tip: before getting in the water, ask,
"Can you tell me three pool rules?"
Here are a few of the core rules I use in swim lessons:
- We never get in the water without an adult. This is always the most important rule. Even strong swimmers can have accidents.
- No running, pushing, or rough play. These actions can lead to dangerous falls, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Falling into water unexpectedly can cause panic, even in kids who can swim. Panic can make it hard to float or breathe.
- No fake drowning. It may seem funny, but fake drowning can teach kids not to take real emergencies seriously.
- No grabbing or dunking other swimmers. If your child is tired, they should reach the wall — not another swimmer. Kids often don't realize when their "play" is making someone else struggle.
What does drowning look like?
Contrary to what we see in movies, drowning is rarely loud or dramatic. It can happen silently, in seconds, and right in front of you.
Active Drowning:
- The person is vertical and struggling to stay above water
- Arms may be pushing down at their sides
- Head tilted back or face may be submerged
- Unable to call for help or wave
Passive Drowning:
- The person is motionless, floating face-down
- May be at or just below the surface
Other warning signs:
- Glassy or unfocused eyes
- Gasping or hyperventilating
- Moving but not making progress
- Hair covering the eyes or face
YouTube: Drowning doesn't look like drowning
Canadian Red Cross: What does drowning look like?
American Red Cross: Drowning Prevention
What do your kids need to know if they see their friends or siblings in need of help in the water?
It's not enough to tell kids to "get help" — they need to know how to help safely. Teach the phrase:
"Reach or throw, don't go."
That means if someone is struggling in the water, your child should not jump in — they should:
- Use a long object (pool noodle, towel, net pole) to reach toward them
- Throw something that floats
- Call loudly for help and alert an adult
This gives kids a safe and practical plan if they ever witness someone in distress.
American Red Cross: Lesson 8 - Reach or throw, don't go
How to perform CPR
If a water emergency happens, knowing CPR can save a life. All caregivers — parents, grandparents, babysitters — should learn how to perform CPR for infants, children, and adults. The earlier you act, the better the outcome.
American Red Cross: Steps to performing CPR
YouTube: How to perform CPR on an infant (Under 12 months)
YouTube: How to perform CPR on a child (12 months - 12 years)
YouTube: How to perform CPR on an adult (12 years and older)
Also, walk through your family's emergency steps:
- Where is the phone during swim time?
- Who calls 911?
- Where is the nearest float or reaching tool?
Practice this together — the same way you would a fire drill.
A family pool safety plan isn't just about one conversation — it's a routine. With clear rules, secure barriers, emergency readiness, and positive reinforcement, children can learn how to enjoy the water safely and confidently.