Florida Pool Safety Tips for Parents | Avera & Smith
Florida Pool Safety: A Vital Reminder for Parents and Caregivers
It only takes 30 seconds. That’s all the time it takes for a child to silently slip beneath the surface of a backyard pool. In the blink of an eye, a summer afternoon can turn into a lifelong tragedy.
In Florida, where pools are as common as palm trees and sunshine, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of five. While pool time is often the highlight of the season, it comes with serious safety responsibilities—especially for parents, guardians, and property owners.
At Avera & Smith, we want to help prevent the unthinkable. As a law firm committed to protecting Florida families, we’re sharing this important Public Safety Announcement (PSA) to raise awareness and offer actionable tips that can save lives.
The Facts: Drowning Is Still a Leading Threat
According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida consistently leads the nation in unintentional drowning deaths for children under five. In 2023 alone, 98 children in the state lost their lives to drowning—most in residential swimming pools.
What’s more alarming is that many of these tragedies happened within minutes and often while a parent or caregiver was nearby.
Common Pool Safety Failures That Lead to Tragedy
- Lack of pool barriers (such as fences or safety gates)
- Unsupervised access to pools—especially during “quiet” moments like nap time or when adults are distracted
- No alarms on doors or windows leading to the pool area
- Overreliance on flotation devices instead of direct supervision
- Assumption that someone else is watching the child
Florida Law on Residential Pool Safety
Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requires that all new residential pools be equipped with at least one safety feature, such as:
- A barrier or fence at least 4 feet high
- An approved safety pool cover
- Exit alarms on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool
- Self-closing, self-latching doors with release mechanisms out of a child’s reach
Failure to meet these standards can result in civil fines—and much worse, preventable injuries or fatalities.
Essential Tips to Keep Children Safe Around Pools
Whether you own a pool or simply visit homes that do, follow these guidelines:
- Install a 4-foot fence around the pool with self-latching gates.
- Add door and window alarms for pool access points.
- Always supervise children closely. Drowning is silent—not splashing or screaming.
- Designate a “Water Watcher” at gatherings—an adult assigned to supervise the pool without distractions.
- Remove toys from the pool area when not in use. They can attract curious toddlers.
- Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible.
- Know CPR and have a phone nearby in case of emergency.
A Community Responsibility
Pool safety isn’t just a family issue—it’s a community concern. If you see a neighbor’s pool with easy access, say something. If you’re renting a home with a pool, verify that safety features are in place. And if you or someone you love has been affected by a pool-related injury due to negligence, you may have legal options.
Let’s Prevent Another Tragedy
At Avera & Smith, we have represented families devastated by preventable accidents. We share this information not to alarm—but to empower. Every barrier installed, every moment of supervision, every conversation about water safety makes a difference.
If your child or loved one has been injured in a pool accident due to someone else’s negligence, our team is here to help.
Request a free case review through our online form or call 800-654-4659 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.