The Rappahannock Area Health District says residential pools are the leading location for accidental pool drownings in children under 15 and says homeowners should ensure that their pools have proper safety features in place.
In Virginia, the Health District says nine children under age five accidentally drowned in pools in 2025, an increase from the last five years (three in 2024, two in 2023, four in 2022, eight in 2021 and four in 2020).
Rappahannock Area Health Director Dr. Olugbenga Obasanjo said “While it is important to relax and recharge, we must stay alert during high-risk activities like swimming. This is especially important when watching young children or others who may not see danger or keep themselves safe.”
Here are some safety tips:
• Install or maintain a fence at least four feet tall around the entire 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.
The Health District says drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. Drownings happen quickly and silently. In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days.
RAHD reminds families to:
• Always watch kids in and around the water – and designate a water watcher.
• Teach children how 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.
