8 Water Safety Tips Every Pool Owner Should Know Before Summer

Summer pool days are right around the corner, and with May being Water Safety Month, now is the perfect time for homeowners to refresh their pool safety habits before the season gets busy.

Most pool accidents happen during everyday moments. Someone gets distracted for a second. A gate gets left open. Kids wander back toward the pool when no one notices. Small situations can become serious quickly around water, which is why preparation matters.

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. for children ages 4 and under. The World Health Organization also reports that globally, the highest drowning rates are among children ages 1 to 4, followed by children ages 5 to 9. These statistics are a reminder that water safety is not something to think about only during swim lessons or pool parties. It should be part of every pool owner’s daily routine throughout the summer season.

At Pool Scouts, we know a safe pool starts long before the first swim of the summer. Here are eight important water safety tips every pool owner should keep in mind this season.

Always Have a Water Watcher

When kids are swimming, there should always be one adult fully focused on watching the water. Not checking their phone. Not grilling burgers. Not assuming another adult is paying attention.

Distractions happen fast, especially during parties or family gatherings. Having a designated water watcher helps ensure someone always has eyes on the pool.

Secure the Perimeter of Your Pool

Pool fences and self-latching gates are one of the most important layers of protection around a swimming pool. Before summer starts, walk around your pool area and check that gates close properly and fences are secure.

Winter weather can loosen hardware over time, and homeowners are often surprised to find gates no longer latch the way they should. A quick inspection now can help prevent bigger safety concerns later.

Remove Toys and Floats After Swimming

Leaving pool toys or floats in the water might seem harmless, but they can attract children back to the pool area after swim time is over.

Once everyone is out of the water, remove floats, rafts, and toys from the pool and surrounding deck area. It’s a simple habit that reinforces that the pool is closed when adults are not present.

Stay Away From Pool Drains

Pool drains are something many homeowners do not think about often, but they play an important role in pool safety. Strong suction from drains can create serious hazards, especially for children.

Make sure drain covers are secure, undamaged, and up to date. If something looks cracked, loose, or broken, it should be addressed immediately. Professional pool inspections and regular maintenance can help identify these issues before they become dangerous.

Talk to Your Kids About Water Safety

Pool rules should be an ongoing conversation, not just a one-time reminder at the start of summer. Kids should understand basic safety habits like asking permission before entering the water, staying away from drains, and walking carefully around the pool deck.

The more often these conversations happen, the more likely kids are to remember those habits when they matter most.

Enter the Water Feet First

Diving into shallow water can lead to serious injuries, even in familiar pools. Remind swimmers to always enter the water feet first unless they are in a designated diving area.

This is especially important when guests or kids are using the pool, since they may not know the depth as well as the homeowner does.

Learn CPR Before Summer Starts

Many people hope they never need CPR, but learning it is one of the most valuable things a pool owner can do. In an emergency, those first few minutes matter.

Water Safety Month is a great time to look for local CPR classes or refresher courses before summer activities begin.

Never Swim Alone

Even experienced swimmers should avoid swimming alone. Accidents, medical emergencies, or slips can happen unexpectedly, especially during late-night swims or quieter times around the pool.

Swimming with another person nearby adds an extra layer of safety and helps ensure someone can respond quickly if help is needed.

A Safer Summer Starts With Small Choices

Water safety is not about one big action. It is about the small habits you build and repeat every time someone steps near the pool. A locked gate, a clear set of rules, an attentive water watcher, and a quick reminder to be careful around the water all add up to something much bigger than they seem on their own.

As summer approaches, taking a few minutes now to walk your pool area, talk with your family, and refresh your safety routine can make a real difference. Pools are meant to bring people together, and the goal is to make sure those moments stay safe as well as fun.

At Pool Scouts, we see firsthand how regular care and attention help create safer swimming environments. Clean, balanced water and properly working equipment are not just about appearance. They also support visibility, reliability, and peace of mind when your pool is in use.

This Water Safety Month, Pool Scouts is proud to support the Hope Floats Foundation in their mission to provide swim lessons and water safety education to underserved children. If you would like to be part of that effort, you can join the water safety pledge by donating to help more kids build confidence and lifesaving skills in the water.

Join the pledge to water safety this May: https://givebutter.com/poolscouts2026