When it comes to pool safety, the most important concern to keep top of mind is preventing accidental drowning. Half of all parents think they are able to effectively supervise their children around water by listening for signs of trouble but while it’s often portrayed as dramatic, loud and very eye-catching in the movies, in real-life drowning is often silent. Here’s more information on how to spot the signs of drowning.
In fact, it only takes 1-inch of water and a matter of seconds for a child to drown and nearly half (42%) of all children who’ve drowned in the past 10 years were not properly supervised. Approximately 11 people die every day as a result of unintentional drowning and 1 in 5 of those are children under the age of 14.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that drownings are the second leading cause of accidental death around the home for children under 5 years of age, with it being the the leading cause of accidental death in the home in some warm weather states.
Another safety concern to be mindful of when using an at-home swimming pool is safe ladder use. Falling from a pool ladder can result in cuts, bruises, scrapes, broken bones and even head injuries. You’ll also want to ensure children stay clear of any drains or pumps attached to your pool in order to prevent injuries. Remove the ladder from your pool when not in use in order to prevent little ones from climbing up and accidentally injuring themselves.
Pool cleanliness and care are very important to pool safety; keeping your pool clean and well maintained can help prevent future injuries from happening. By simply taking better care of your pool, you’ll be creating a safer pool environment for your children. Here’s an informative guide on pool care and maintenance from Everything Backyard.
While swimming in a pool is a great source of exercise as well as a fun way to spend time outdoors, and is generally considered safe when done with care, accidents and injuries can and do still occur.
Always stay within sight and reach of your child at all times and don’t rely on siblings or other adults to supervise your child around water. Make sure that any young children and weak swimmers wear a lifejacket when around water, and ensure the lifejacket is the appropriate size and weight capacity and is certified by an official safety body. Always buckle and secure the life jacket straps properly. Water wings are not an acceptable floatation device.
Ensure that all open water sources are securely enclosed, with a fence that’s at least 4 feet tall. All fencing should have a self-closing, self-latching mechanism. The use of an alarm on the gate and poolside can provide additional peace of mind and security. Be sure to teach your children about currents and water safety rules and consider investing in swimming lessons so that they have these valuable lifesaving skills.
Depending on what state you live in, there are varying codes with regards to pool setup, maintenance and safety measures. Be sure to research what the standards are and what’s required before purchasing an at-home pool.
If your pool safety products or equipment came with a warranty or registration card, be sure to complete the form and mail it in to the manufacturer. This way, you’ll be notified of any recalls or other safety information in the event of a problem with your item. Surveys done by Consumer Reports National Research Center show that most people seldom or never take this essential safety step.
Do not swim if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications. You should also not supervise young children if you are under the influence as your reaction time may be delayed.
Ensure long hair, loose clothes and jewelry is tied back or removed. Institute a “no-horseplay zone” around and in water in order to keep little ones safe.
Creating a water safety plan and practicing water emergency drills with your family is another smart way to help educate young children about recognizing the signs of someone in distress and what to do should an emergency occur. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit, reaching pole, ring buoy attached to a rope, and a phone nearby to call for help when around water with young children.
Finally, when outdoors in the summer heat you’ll also want to ensure your child stays properly hydrated and uses sunscreen in order to prevent burns.
With the above tips in mind, in no particular order, here are 25 of the pool safety equipment products we consider to be the safest, based on available features and average customer reviews and ratings.
Let your little ones stay safe while having some imaginative fun with this shark fin-shaped floatation swimming aid. Its easy-to-adjust straps ensure the perfect fit, every time.
Key features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Does not restrict mobility
- Support adjusts based on each swimmer’s ability
2. FROG Child Water Safety System
This water safety alarm and wristband combination system is compatible in both salt and fresh water so you can have additional peace of mind that your child is safe around various bodies of water. Should they fall in a loud alarm will sound on the monitor, notifying you immediately to take action.
Key features:
Compatible with unlimited wristbands
Will not interfere with other alarm systems
This anti-UV tent pops open for easy setup in just seconds and offers a protective spot for your little one to get out of the sun and heat for a rest whether at the beach or in your own backyard.
Key features:
Lightweight, portable, compact when folded
Grounding stakes included
Velcro closing door on front
4. Medical Grade Doc’s Pro Ear Plugs – Non Vented
Help prevent swimmer’s ear and other ear infections with these medical grade, non-vented ear plugs. Available in a choice of three sizes and various color selections to suit every little swimmer.
Key features:
- Made of hypoallergenic Kraton material
- Recommended by ENT doctors
- Lanyard included
While not as buoyant as a proper lifejacket, this float suit can help keep your child afloat as they build their confidence in the water. Available in a variety of sizes, the float aids are removable for when your child no longer needs them.
Key features:
- UVPF of 50+ blocks 98%+ of the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays
- Comfortable design
- Choose from several designs and colors to suit and child
6. UV Sun Protective Rashguard Swimsuit Set by SwimZip
Help protect your little water lover’s skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays with this full coverage swimsuit set in a stylish gender neutral pattern.
Key features:
- UVPF of 50+ blocks 98%+ of the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays
- Flat seams for a no-chafe design
- Tagless neck and no-pinch zipper flap for comfortable long wear
7. Pre-Assembled Safety Rope & Float, 18′ Pool Size
Every at-home pool should have certain safety equipment including a floating rope in case of an emergency. This model features 18 feet of length with seven floats along the strand to help swimmers in distress.
Key features:
- Floats can easily be repositioned
- Chrome hooks included
- Sturdy nylon construction
8. Aubrey Organics Sunscreen – Kids Natural Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Don’t let little ones head outdoors without some sort of sun protection. This sunscreen features all organic ingredients, plus it meets the Environmental Working Group’s standards for safe sunscreen.
Key features:
- SPF of 45
- No harmful chemicals added
- Unscented, water-resistant formula
9. Salus Bijoux Baby Life Jacket
Comfortable enough for your child to wear for hours, this lifejacket is suitable for babies from 9-25 pounds and features a number of smart designs that make it ideal for placing baby in both sitting and laying positions or in a carrier.
Key features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Four adjustment straps for the perfect fit
- Easy to reach lifting strap
10. Poolguard Inground Pool Alarm
This pool alarm is suitable for in-ground pools and features a tamper-proof design that cannot be deactivated once installed, so you know it’s always protecting your little swimmers. It’s made in the USA and comes with a 3 year warranty.
Key features:
- Battery lasts approximately 1 year
- Fewer false alarms
- ASTM certified
11. SmartPool Aboveground Pool Alarm
Designed for above ground pools, this alarm emits a loud signal at the control panel should someone fall into your pool. It’s suitable for pools 24 ft round or 16 x 32 ft oval in size and features a patented underwater wave detector.
Key features:
- Easy to install, mounting hardware included
- Battery operated
- 1 year warranty
12. Safety Turtle Wireless Gate Alarm
This wireless gate alarm can be mounted on both metal and wooden fences and features a 200 ft range to notify you in case someone opens the latch.
Key features:
- Adult bypass switch
- Battery lasts 30,000 entries
- Available in a choice of colors
13. Quick Stick Write-on! Child ID Tattoos
Don’t lose track of your little ones at the beach or waterpark thanks to these child ID tattoos. Simply write your phone number on the peel-and-stick tattoo and apply to your child’s skin before leaving home.
Key features:
- Durable, waterproof design is hypoallergenic and latex-free
- Lasts up to 2 weeks
- Suitable for use on all skin tones
14. Sun Protective Baby Sun Suit by NoZone
This swimsuit features a front zipper for easy on and off, and a lower zipper that makes diaper changes a breeze. Made from materials that are highly chlorine-resistant, so it’s ideal for long-term use at the pool.
Key features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- UVPF of 50+ blocks 98%+ of the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays
- Available in a choice of sizes
15. Kiefer SaferSwimmer Medium Buoy
This buoy can help keep little swimmers afloat or assist in rescuing those in distress and features a convenient dry storage pouch on one side so you can keep valuables like keys within reach at all times.
Key features:
- Highly visible
- Adjustable waist belt
- Will not interfere with swimming
16. Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit (205-Piece)
Every family should have a first aid kit in the car and at home in case of emergencies and this kit includes an expanded inventory to cover your bases for nearly any accident that could happen.
Key features:
- EZ find system to locate necessary items in a hurry
- Cold pack included
- Durable, semi-hard case
17. Shoreline Marine Safety Whistle Basic
It’s a good idea for any young swimmer in open water to have a noise signalling device, such as a whistle, on their person in case of distress. This unit is a very economical way to provide your child with a loud, shrill safety device that carries noise long distances.
Key features:
- Blows when wet or dry
- Highly visible
- Lanyard included
18. Swimline Foam Ring Pool Buoy
This pool buoy provides an extra level of safety to any at-home pool and features a soft and durable surface that’s 18-inches in size.
Key features:
- Nylon tow rope included
- Colorful trim provides a touch of style
- Durable design for years of outdoor use
19. Stearns Child’s Classic Series Vest
This classic lifejacket has been approved by the US Coast Guard and features three adjustable straps and a leg strap to help you find the perfect fit for your little one, every time.
Key features:
- Suitable for children 30-50 pounds
- Made from durable materials
- Available in a choice of colors
20. Speedo Kids’ UPF 50+ Begin to Swim Classic Swim Vest
Ideal for those just getting their feet wet, so to speak, this life vest can help little swimmers get comfortable in the water while still providing a level of safety and security in case of accident and has been officially licensed by the American Red Cross.
Key features:
- UVPF of 50+ blocks 98%+ of the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays
- Available in a choice of colors
- Easy on and off design
A welcome addition to the wearable tech space, the June bracelet by Netatmo features UVA and UVB sensors that monitor your sun exposure in real-time to provide you with an up-to-date UV index right on your smartphone. Based on your skin type and sun exposure history, the unit allots a maximum daily sun dose, after which you’ll receive notifications that you’re in the burn zone.
Key features:
- Available in a choice of styles
- Create personalized notifications for SPF levels, timing
- Suitable for athletic activities
22. SmartPool Night Vision Inground Pool Alarm
Suitable for use in inground pools, this alarm features a childproof lock and independent on/off switch. Remote offers an audible “Check the pool” warning when the perimeter alarm signal has been set off and “Emergency! Check the pool!” when the underwater signal is activated.
Key features:
- 120 dB alarm suitable for pools up to 18’ x 36’
- Patented sub-surface wave detector
- ETL-Listed to UL 464
23. Baby Barrier Pool Safety Fence
One of the largest manufacturers of child safety fences in the USA, Baby Barrier pool safety fences feature the strongest and safest design in the industry and is fully customizable to your size, height and any other requirements.
Key features:
- Meets or exceeds ASTM safety standards
- Self-closing, automatic safety gate
- Made in the USA
24. iSwimband Personal Drowning Detection System for iOS
This water safety device can be worn in a number of ways to help parents keep track of their kids in and around water. Goggle-style, wristband or as a headband, the band notifies you via your smartphone if your child has been submerged in water too long or at all for non-swimmers.
Key features:
- Loud, audible alerts in case of trouble
- Monitor up to 8 bands per iOS device
- 100 ft range
25. Salus Nimbus Life Jacket
Like the Bijoux, the Nimbus lifejacket features an easy to reach lifting strap and features a soft collar around the neck for added comfort and neck support.
Key features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Choice of three sizes to suit children from 20-90 pounds
- Unique design is comfortable even when sitting
