Swimming Pool Regulations in Florida

CHAPTER 515

RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT

515.21 Short title.

515.23 Legislative findings and intent.

515.25 Definitions.

515.27 Residential swimming pool safety feature options; penalties.

515.29 Residential swimming pool barrier requirements.

515.31 Drowning prevention education program; public information publication.

515.33 Information required to be furnished to buyers.

515.35 Rulemaking authority.

515.37 Exemptions.

515.21 Short title.—This chapter may be cited as the “Preston de Ibern/McKenzie Merriam Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act.”

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

515.23 Legislative findings and intent.—The Legislature finds that drowning is the leading cause of death of young children in this state and is also a significant cause of death for medically frail elderly persons in this state, that constant adult supervision is the key to accomplishing the objective of reducing the number of submersion incidents, and that when lapses in supervision occur a pool safety feature designed to deny, delay, or detect unsupervised entry to the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub will reduce drowning and near-drowning incidents. In addition to the incalculable human cost of these submersion incidents, the health care costs, loss of lifetime productivity, and legal and administrative expenses associated with drownings of young children and medically frail elderly persons in this state each year and the lifetime costs for the care and treatment of young children who have suffered brain disability due to near-drowning incidents each year are enormous. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that all new residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs be equipped with at least one pool safety feature as specified in this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Health be responsible for producing its own or adopting a nationally recognized publication that provides the public with information on drowning prevention and the responsibilities of pool ownership and also for developing its own or adopting a nationally recognized drowning prevention education program for the public and for persons violating the pool safety requirements of this chapter.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

515.25 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) “Approved safety pool cover” means a manually or power-operated safety pool cover that meets all of the performance standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in compliance with standard F1346-91.

(2) “Barrier” means a fence, dwelling wall, or nondwelling wall, or any combination thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool, especially access from the residence or from the yard outside the barrier.

(3) “Department” means the Department of Health.

(4) “Exit alarm” means a device that makes audible, continuous alarm sounds when any door or window which permits access from the residence to any pool area that is without an intervening enclosure is opened or left ajar.

(5) “Indoor swimming pool” means a swimming pool that is totally contained within a building and surrounded on all four sides by walls of or within the building.

(6) “Medically frail elderly person” means any person who is at least 65 years of age and has a medical problem that affects balance, vision, or judgment, including, but not limited to, a heart condition, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s disease or any related disorder.

(7) “Outdoor swimming pool” means any swimming pool that is not an indoor swimming pool.

(8) “Portable spa” means a nonpermanent structure intended for recreational bathing, in which all controls and water-heating and water-circulating equipment are an integral part of the product and which is cord-connected and not permanently electrically wired.

(9) “Public swimming pool” means a swimming pool, as defined in s. 514.011(2), which is operated, with or without charge, for the use of the general public; however, the term does not include a swimming pool located on the grounds of a private residence.

(10) “Residential” means situated on the premises of a detached one-family or two-family dwelling or a one-family townhouse not more than three stories high.

(11) “Swimming pool” means any structure, located in a residential area, that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing and contains water over 24 inches deep, including, but not limited to, in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools; hot tubs; and nonportable spas.

(12) “Young child” means any person under the age of 6 years.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

515.27 Residential swimming pool safety feature options; penalties.—

(1) In order to pass final inspection and receive a certificate of completion, a residential swimming pool must meet at least one of the following requirements relating to pool safety features:

(a) The pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements of s. 515.29;

(b) The pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover;

(c) All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet;

(d) All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor; or

(e) A swimming pool alarm that, when placed in a pool, sounds an alarm upon detection of an accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. Such pool alarm must meet and be independently certified to ASTM Standard F2208, titled “Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms,” which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared alarms. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “swimming pool alarm” does not include any swimming protection alarm device designed for individual use, such as an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water.

(2) A person who fails to equip a new residential swimming pool with at least one pool safety feature as required in subsection (1) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, except that no penalty shall be imposed if the person, within 45 days after arrest or issuance of a summons or a notice to appear, has equipped the pool with at least one safety feature as required in subsection (1) and has attended a drowning prevention education program established by s. 515.31. However, the requirement of attending a drowning prevention education program is waived if such program is not offered within 45 days after issuance of the citation.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143; s. 14, ch. 2016-129.

515.29 Residential swimming pool barrier requirements.—

(1) A residential swimming pool barrier must have all of the following characteristics:

(a) The barrier must be at least 4 feet high on the outside.

(b) The barrier may not have any gaps, openings, indentations, protrusions, or structural components that could allow a young child to crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over the barrier.

(c) The barrier must be placed around the perimeter of the pool and must be separate from any fence, wall, or other enclosure surrounding the yard unless the fence, wall, or other enclosure or portion thereof is situated on the perimeter of the pool, is being used as part of the barrier, and meets the barrier requirements of this section.

(d) The barrier must be placed sufficiently away from the water’s edge to prevent a young child or medically frail elderly person who may have managed to penetrate the barrier from immediately falling into the water.

(2) The structure of an aboveground swimming pool may be used as its barrier or the barrier for such a pool may be mounted on top of its structure; however, such structure or separately mounted barrier must meet all barrier requirements of this section. In addition, any ladder or steps that are the means of access to an aboveground pool must be capable of being secured, locked, or removed to prevent access or must be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of this section.

(3) Gates that provide access to swimming pools must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and equipped with a self-latching locking device, the release mechanism of which must be located on the pool side of the gate and so placed that it cannot be reached by a young child over the top or through any opening or gap.

(4) A wall of a dwelling may serve as part of the barrier if it does not contain any door or window that opens to provide access to the swimming pool.

(5) A barrier may not be located in a way that allows any permanent structure, equipment, or similar object to be used for climbing the barrier.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

515.31 Drowning prevention education program; public information publication.—

(1) The department shall develop a drowning prevention education program, which shall be made available to the public at the state and local levels and which shall be required as set forth in s. 515.27(2) for persons in violation of the pool safety requirements of this chapter. The department may charge a fee, not to exceed $100, for attendance at such a program. The drowning prevention education program shall be funded using fee proceeds, state funds appropriated for such purpose, and grants. The department, in lieu of developing its own program, may adopt a nationally recognized drowning prevention education program to be approved for use in local safety education programs, as provided in rule of the department.

(2) The department shall also produce, for distribution to the public at no charge, a publication that provides information on drowning prevention and the responsibilities of pool ownership. The department, in lieu of developing its own publication, may adopt a nationally recognized drowning prevention and responsibilities of pool ownership publication, as provided in rule of the department.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

515.33 Information required to be furnished to buyers.—A licensed pool contractor, on entering into an agreement with a buyer to build a residential swimming pool, or a licensed home builder or developer, on entering into an agreement with a buyer to build a house that includes a residential swimming pool, must give the buyer a document containing the requirements of this chapter and a copy of the publication produced by the department under s. 515.31 that provides information on drowning prevention and the responsibilities of pool ownership.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

515.35 Rulemaking authority.—The department shall adopt rules pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act establishing the fees required to attend drowning prevention education programs and setting forth the information required under this chapter to be provided by licensed pool contractors and licensed home builders or developers.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

515.37 Exemptions.—This chapter does not apply to:

(1) Any system of sumps, irrigation canals, or irrigation flood control or drainage works constructed or operated for the purpose of storing, delivering, distributing, or conveying water.

(2) Stock ponds, storage tanks, livestock operations, livestock watering troughs, or other structures used in normal agricultural practices.

(3) Public swimming pools.

(4) Any political subdivision that has adopted or adopts a residential pool safety ordinance, provided the ordinance is equal to or more stringent than the provisions of this chapter.

(5) Any portable spa with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346-91 (Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs).

(6) Small, temporary pools without motors, which are commonly referred to or known as “kiddie pools.”

History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-143.

Pool Fencing Laws in The United States

There is no federal pool fence law currently in place within the United States. However, several states, including Florida, and Arizona, have created their own individual pool fence laws.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has developed a model barrier code for residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs; this code has been approved by the American National Standards Institute.

The International Code Council (I.C.C.),outlined strong safety standards for swimming pool fences. In an effort to eliminate or reduce the accidental drowning of children, these standards have been recognized by many communities throughout the world. Certain states are more strict with their laws and the most populated states with Pools such as Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas have special statutes in place that discuss all pool fencing types including frameless glass railings.

In 2006, 283 children under the age of five drowned in swimming pools in the United States.

The I.C.C. pool safety standards specify that:

• The fence must be a minimum of 48 inches tall
• The middle horizontal rail must be at least 45 inches above the bottom horizontal rail
• The spacing between pickets must be less than 4 inches.
• The space between the bottom horizontal rail and the ground must be less than 2 inches.
• The gate(s) must be self-closing and self-latching.
• The gate(s) need to open outward (away from the pool area).
• The operating mechanism of the latch must be at least 54 inches from the bottom of the gate or it shall be on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top AND shall not have any opening greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.

Click here for information about pool fencing laws in each state.

Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities Helps Local Family Get Pool Fence

8/31/16

ANTHEM – The Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities donated a pool fence to a local family in need. The pool fence installation began a few weeks ago.

The Piper family, who lives in Anthem, is adopting two small boys and needed a pool fence to finalize the adoption with the state. Faced with multiple other financial considerations, they couldn’t afford the fence currently. The Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities supports families in need throughout the community and was able to finance the pool fence installation for the family. Pool Barrier of Arizona installed the fence.

Safety features pool owners may consider

There are a variety of things that can be added to backyard pools to help prevent children from getting in.

On average, 34 children aged 1 to 19 drown each year, according to the ohio department of health. Drowning deaths among ohio youth increased by 119 percent in the summer months.


While children can drown anywhere, young children (aged 1 to 9) are at a greater risk of drowning in swimming pools.

Bob Ballone, owner of Austintown pool and spas, says there are a variety of things that can be added to backyard pools to help prevent children from getting in. A pool alarm is an effective addition and costs about $300.

Ballone said they are compatible for above ground and in-ground pools and alert when the water is disturbed.

“it would have a sensor on it and that sensor is right on the water. If something or someone falls in the water as the water triggers the alarm, a device in your house would trigger and let you know that something fell into the water,” Ballone said.

Ladders with locks and locked fences around the pool are also a standard.

“a fencing device that goes around the whole outside of the pool so that the barrier is higher than four feet, so now you are about six feet high, “ Ballone said. Safety pool fences are also available.

Even for homes where there are no children, owners should still plan for an unexpected visit from neighbors or animals. Ballone said every pool should have safety features to prevent entrance.

In addition to pool safety additions, the ohio department of health recommends parents and caregivers learn cpr, supervise young children, begin teaching children to swim after age 4, and make life jackets a must.

By Alex GeorgePublished: August 29, 2016, 6:28 am  Updated: August 29, 2016, 7:17 am

Safety features pool owners may consider

There are a variety of things that can be added to backyard pools to help prevent children from getting in.

On average, 34 children aged 1 to 19 drown each year, according to the ohio department of health. Drowning deaths among ohio youth increased by 119 percent in the summer months.

While children can drown anywhere, young children (aged 1 to 9) are at a greater risk of drowning in swimming pools.

Bob Ballone, owner of Austintown pool and spas, says there are a variety of things that can be added to backyard pools to help prevent children from getting in. A pool alarm is an effective addition and costs about $300.

Ballone said they are compatible for above ground and in-ground pools and alert when the water is disturbed.

“it would have a sensor on it and that sensor is right on the water. If something or someone falls in the water as the water triggers the alarm, a device in your house would trigger and let you know that something fell into the water,” Ballone said.

Ladders with locks and locked fences around the pool are also a standard.

“a fencing device that goes around the whole outside of the pool so that the barrier is higher than four feet, so now you are about six feet high, “ Ballone said. Safety pool fences are also available.

Even for homes where there are no children, owners should still plan for an unexpected visit from neighbors or animals. Ballone said every pool should have safety features to prevent entrance.

In addition to pool safety additions, the ohio department of health recommends parents and caregivers learn cpr, supervise young children, begin teaching children to swim after age 4, and make life jackets a must.

By Alex GeorgePublished: August 29, 2016, 6:28 am  Updated: August 29, 2016, 7:17 am

Baby Guard Pool Fence Company has moved from Sunrise to Coral Springs, Florida.

Baby Guard Pool Fence Company has officially moved headquarters from Sunrise, Florida to Coral Springs, Florida. If you need replacement parts you will no longer be able to buy them from the old location in Sunrise.

You may stop by 11947 W. Sample Road  Coral Springs, FL 33065. If you need to purchase replacement parts, you may do so from our website www.babyguardfence.com or in person. We accept cash only in person.

We look forward to continuing operations in beautiful Coral Springs and plan on making this our permanent home. We still service all of Broward County. If you would like a free estimate, please contact the estimates office at 954-340-6489.

Swimming lessons key in drowning prevention

Posted 6:10 p.m. 7/29/14

RALEIGH, N.C. — Shannon Friesen and her two boys, ages 4 and 5, spend a lot of time near water, but it wasn’t until recently that she thought about swimming lessons for her children.

“That's when we started to have this realization, we have not taught our children to swim,” she said. “They don't know how to swim.”

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children under 5. Swimming lessons are the best way to prevent drowning.

“We like our instructors to be within arm’s reach, always pay attention to the students in the water with them (and) never turn their back on a student,” said Jeff Little, aquatics director for the A.E. Finley YMCA.

Children most likely to drown are those with a parent who is afraid of the water, said Dr. Graham Snyder, a WakeMed emergency physician. Parents can also pass down their fear to their children, who are also at a higher risk of secondary drowning, which occurs after someone has inhaled water into his or her lungs after being submerged for too long.

Symptoms of secondary drowning, which include being weak, confused and turning blue, may not show immediately, Snyder said.

A person can die from secondary drowning if he or she does not receive immediate emergency care, said Snyder, who added that drowning is greatly reduced with swimming lessons.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children should start swimming lessons between ages 4 and 5. By then, they don't have to re-learn the skill, the organization said.

One program, Infant Swimming Rescue, teaches toddlers how to save themselves if they fall in water.

For Friesen, she is glad her boys are learning how to swim.

“You can see at every lesson, your child improving and gaining the knowledge and skills,” she said.

Read more at http://www.wral.com/swimming-lessons-key-in-drowning-prevention/13850761/#M6iliCSO0TCC1srk.99

Baby Guard owner hosts a benefit for the foster children growing up at SOS Children’s Villages

It was a beautiful day with beautiful music with a lot of money raised for such a great cause!

Best Revenge Records artist, Keaton Simons played a show at a private home in Delray Beach on Sunday, January 12 to benefit the foster children growing up at SOS Children’s Villages – Florida. The special performance came at the invitation of Delray Beach business owners Gregory and Mary Ann Fried of Gregory’s Fine Jewelry who donate much of their time and hearts supporting south Florida charities like SOS. Special thanks to their friends for opening their beautiful home for the event.

Festivities included gourmet food by Fit Foodz Cafe, raffles and a live auction. Generous sponsors to date include: Gregory and Mary Ann Fried of Gregory’s Fine Jewelry; Michael and Wendy Schatzberg; Fit Foodz Café; Pilates of Boca and Simply the Best Magazine Eye On South Florida and Mercedes of Delray.

Musician Keaton Simons plays for SOS Children’s Village at Baby Guard Owner's Home

Best Revenge Records artist, Keaton Simons will play a show at a private home in Delray Beach on Sunday, January 12 at 2 – 5 p.m. to benefit the foster children growing up at SOS Children’s Villages – Florida. The special performance comes at the invitation of Delray Beach business owners Gregory and Mary Ann Fried of Gregory’s Fine Jewelry who donate much of their time and hearts supporting south Florida charities like SOS. Special thanks to their friends, Michael and Wendy Schatzberg for opening their beautiful home for the event.

The Fried’s were introduced to Simons through a friend and were moved by his bluesy brand of both acoustic and electric guitar along with his compelling and soul-baring songs. “His music touched us,” says Mary Ann. “He has a depth and richness similar to some of the best songwriters like John Lennon and Bob Dylan and a voice as authentic as Ray Charles. How could we not be inspired?”

Inviting Simons back to south Florida, Mary Ann hopes guests will be inspired by his music as well. Proceeds from the afternoon’s show will help give the foster children growing up at SOS Florida a stable home, a happy childhood and the tools they need to build a bright future. On any given day there is an average of 75 boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 18, living in the Coconut Creek village. Each child has been removed from their homes and families because of abuse, abandonment and neglect. Through therapy, tutoring, life skills classes, support services and a safe and stable home, SOS helps the children begin a road of healing and recovery and empowers them for the future.

The Fried’s are looking forward to sharing the special performance which will include music from Simons’ sophomore album Beautiful Pain released earlier this year. The LP includes co-writes with friends and peers Jason Mraz, Jason Reeves, and Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket) among others. “Keaton builds his songs with integral prowess without ever reaching into excess or being forced. The songs breathe life, fun, and excitement, and when they slow down; they still have a powerful sense of dynamic passion,” says music writer, Ryan Merkel.

Tickets for the SOS benefit featuring Keaton Simons are $25 per person for adults; $15 for children under 18. Festivities also include gourmet food by Fit Foodz Cafe, raffles and a live auction. Generous sponsors to date include: Gregory and Mary Ann Fried of Gregory’s Fine Jewelry; Michael and Wendy Schatzberg; Fit Foodz Café; Pilates of Boca and Simply the Best Magazine. For ticket information and underwriting opportunities, please call Vickie Walter at 954-420-5033.

Best of Baby Guard Pool Fences

NEWS/ 

Usher Breaks Silence on Son Nearly Drowning, Thanks "True Heroes" Who Saved His Child's Life

by Bruna NessifWed., Aug. 7, 2013 6:57 PM PDT

Splash News

It's been a rough and scary few days forUsher Raymond.

The R&B singer's 5-year-old son Usher Raymond V is currently in an Atlanta hospital after nearly drowning in the celeb's pool on Monday, and tonight, Usher has decided to address the situation for the first time since the horrific accident occurred.

"I am blessed and fortunate to say that my son Usher V is doing well and is recovering," Raymond said in a statement.

PHOTOS: See more of Hollywood's hottest dads

"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and support for my family's well-being. I would like to thank my Aunt Rena as well as the doctors and nurses who are working with us around the clock," he continued.

"I would especially like to thank the two men who saved my son's life, Eugene Stachurski and Ben Crews. They are true heroes and I am deeply grateful to them."

A friend of Usher's ex-wife Tameka Foster took to her blog to give an update on Usher Raymond V, saying that he's doing "fine," and "currently in stable condition at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite and is being held for observation."

PICS: Famous familes

The incident happened two days ago when the young boy's arm got stuck in a pool drain while he was underwater trying to retrieve a toy. His aunt and a housekeeper unsuccessfully tried to free him before contractors working in the house got him out of the pool and performed CPR on him.

Earlier today, Foster filed paperwork requesting an emergency custody hearing in the wake of the pool accident that will take place in Atlanta on Friday. Foster is asking a Georgia judge to immediately award her temporary custody of all her minor children currently under Usher's care, including their other son together, 4-year-old Naviyd.

This comes just a year after Usher's late stepson, Kile Glover (Foster's biological son), died after being struck by a personal watercraft on Lake Lanier.

Saving Children Under Five From Drowning

So on this holiday week, what is better than this, the sound of a child splashing. Well, this one just 16 months old, a kind of olympian. But even the strongest swimmers have reason to be cautious because drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under five.

Tonight linsey davis wants to show us something new. Reporter: Keep an eye on the little boy in blue, watch as he slips under the surface without warning, vanishing immediately. A parent's nightmare, but now picture this, a device that can warn you when your child is in trouble.

This is a wahoo swim band. It's worn over the forehead and when submerged longer than 20 seconds, it sends out a signal. These lights start flashing yellow, after 30 seconds it sounds a siren.

For kids, it's just like putting on a pair of goggles. How'd it feel swimming having that on? Um, it doesn't really affect how you swim.

It's just there. Reporter: For adults, it's a cutting-edge safety upgrade. The new canaan, connecticut ymca paid $30,000 to install the system in this pond, just the sixth installation anywhere in the world.

Why did you feel a lifeguard wasn't enough? Because you're only as good as your best lifeguard on a bad day. Reporter: Watch, even in a clear swimming pool, how the movement blurs the presence of a swimmer.

In murky water like a pond, it's even more dramatic. Look how this bright yellow dummy just vanishes. For decades, the best way to find a lost swimmer was to form a rescue line, sweeping the area step-by-step.

But now, lifeguards can pinpoint a swimmer with this locator. I was a lifeguard, back in 1980 was when I went through my training. Reporter: Hardly anything has changed?

Absolutely. Reporter: Safety experts calls this device a game changer. It gives you the ability to learn very quickly that you have someone in trouble, and it gives you the ability to locate them very quickly. 

The signs of drowning may not be what you think

Credit: AFP/Getty Images

by KING 5 News

Posted on June 5, 2013 at 12:16 PM

Updated yesterday at 1:11 PM

Parents who want to keep their kids safe in pools, lakes and rivers this summer should heed this warning from the U.S. Coast Guard: If your child looks like they are quietly treading water, they may actually be drowning.

An article in the Journal of U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue titled “It Doesn’t Look Like They’re Drowning” breaks down the signs of what is called Instinctive Drowning Response. The article was written in 2006, but it received new life this week in a post on Slate.com – written by one of the original authors – which has spread quickly across social media.

Most people would assume that a drowning person would be splashing, waving and yelling for help. Aviation Survival Technician First Class Mario Vittone and Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D say that’s not possible during Instinctive Drowning Response.

Bottom line: The quiet person who looks like they are simply treading water, with their head back and mouth open, is more likely to be drowning. It’s something to think about when normally loud children are playing in the water.

This list is an excerpt from the original 2006 Coast Guard article.

1. Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary, or overlaid, function. Breathing must be fulfilled, before speech occurs.
2. Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.
3. Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.
4. Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment.
5. From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response, people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs.

Vittone says the best test is to ask a person in the water if they are OK. If all you get back is a blank stare, you may only have seconds to rescue them.

A person splashing around and calling for help could still be in trouble, but Vittone and Pia say those people are in aquatic distress, which means they can still assist themselves. However, that phase doesn’t last long.

KING 5's Travis Pittman contributed to this report

Water and Swimming Pool Safety Tips by Baby Guard

Parents whose children have drowned say the day of the tragedy started out just like any other day. No matter how the drowning happened, one thing was the same for all these parents: The three tragic seconds that claimed their child's life slid by silently, without warning, and can never be brought back.

Here are steps you can take for guarding children in and around water:

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Protection:

• Use layers of barrier protection between children and water to warn and impede:
• A non-climbable four-foot fence that separates the pool/spa from the residence. Opening should be no more than four inches wide so children cannot squeeze through the spaces.
• Self-closing and self-latching fence gates, side gates and doors leading to the pool/spa area, with latches above a child's reach (54 inches high). Gates should open outward.
• Alarms on doors and windows leading to the water, installed about five feet above ground level so that a child cannot reach them.

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In addition to these protective devices, routinely follow these practices:

• Maintain all safety devices to ensure they are in good working order.
• Secure and lock all doors, windows and gates leading to the pool/spa area when not in use.
• Drain standing water from pool/spa covers. Remove covers completely before using the pool/spa and replace them immediately after use.
• Never leave toys in or around the pool/spa and place items which can be used for climbing (tables, chairs, planters) away from fences.

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Supervision:

Curiosity, rapidly changing skills and an ability to understand danger place young children at high risk. Adults must establish and communicate responsibility for child supervision:

• Assign an adult "water watcher" to supervise the pool/spa area, especially during social gatherings.
• Assign a second adult to maintain constant visual contact with children in the pool/spa area. Don't assume someone else is watching a child.
• Never leave a child alone near a pool or spa, bathtub, toilet, water-filled bucket, pond or any standing water in which a child's nose and mouth may be submersed.
• Don't rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child "water safe."
• Don't allow children to play in the pool/spa area.
• Look in the pool area first if a child is missing.
• Communicate pool safety measures with the baby-sitter and train the sitter in infant/child CPR.

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Preparation:

• Insist anyone over 14 years old has current certification in infant/child CPR.
• Learn how to swim and learn rescue techniques. Mount rescue equipment by the pool (lifesaving ring, shepherd's hook and CPR sign). Many float-type toys are thought to be lifesavers. They aren't. They are only toys and should be used only as toys (arm floats and inflatable rings).
• Post the 9-1-1 emergency phone number on your phones. Have a phone near the pool area. Don't leave children unattended while talking on the phone.
• Teach everyone how to use safety equipment and how to call 9-1-1.

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Drowning Statistics:

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths to children ages 14 and under. It can happen in a matter of seconds - in the time it takes to answer the phone. There is often no splashing to warn of trouble. Children can drown in small quantities of water and are at risk in their own homes from wading pools, bathtubs, buckets, diaper pails, and toilets, as well as swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

The statistics are frightening. Each year in the United States, 1,150 children (ages 14 and under) drown - more than half of these children are preschoolers (ages 0-4). An estimated 5,000 children (ages 14 and under) are hospitalized due to near-drownings, and of children surviving near-drownings, 5-20 percent suffer severe and permanent disability.

Summer can be one of the most exciting and fun-filled times of the year, but also one of the most dangerous. Two-thirds of yearly drowning accidents happen between May and August so be prepared! In recognition of Drowning Prevention and Awareness month, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what it takes to stay safe and have fun.

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General Water Safety Tips to Live By:

• When the sun comes out and the weather heats up, community pools open for the season and people head to the beach for the first time. Many lives can be saved and injuries prevented this summer by following some simple water safety tips:
• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
• Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Don't try to keep up with a stronger skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you.
• Swim in supervised areas only.
• Obey "No Diving" signs.
• Watch out for the "dangerous too's"--too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Don't mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, affects swimming and diving skills and reduces the body's ability to stay warm.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating and fishing.
• Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

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Preparation is Key to Prevention

Home swimming pools are becoming more common every day. They provide an excellent means of recreation for the entire family and friends for a large part of the year. But beware; they are dangerous if not monitored properly. You must be aware of the potentially hazardous properties of a pool.

Just how serious is the problem? Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under five in Florida, Arizona, and California with a ranking of number two for over a dozen other states. For every drowning there are eleven near drowning incidents, according to government statistics, many of which result in totally disabling brain damage.

The majority of the parents involved were responsible people who thought it could never happen to their family. They were careful and had close supervision over their children. Many were in upper income brackets, educated, and could afford nice homes with pools in family-oriented communities. So we are literally talking about people who could live next door to you.

Supervision is always the primary layer of protection, but as studies show, 69 percent of drowning incidents occurred when parental supervision failed and there were not other "backup layers" in place, such as pool gates (with locks) or alarms on access doors. There can be no compromise on pool safety as it can truly become a life and death situation. Pool rules need to be set and obeyed. A pool drowning is not necessarily an "accident", it is foreseeable and therefore preventable. Keep your family safe this summer and be prepared!

Learn more about your primary layer of protection, removable mesh pool fences. Right now.

CHILDREN DROWN WITHOUT A SOUND SO WATCH THE WATER