Pool Safety Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe This Summer
Pools are a great place to spend time with family, but they can be dangerous
Pools and water parks offer fun and relief from the heat, but both public and private facilities carry risks. In North Carolina, adherence to state rules and vigilant supervision keep swimmers safe. Here’s what you need to know before you jump in.
Pool inspections in North Carolina
Local county health departments enforce the NC Swimming Pool Regulations (15A NCAC 18A .2600). Inspectors check water chemistry, filter and pump function, safety equipment and facility maintenance. Inspection results are public, visit your county’s environmental health website to review the latest report before you go.
Do your own quick check
- Water clarity: You should see the pool floor and drain covers clearly from the deck.
- Drain covers: Securely fastened with no cracks, faulty covers risk entrapment.
- Chemical levels: At a minimum, pH 7.2–7.8 and free chlorine ≥ 1 ppm; use a handheld test strip if you have one.
- Safety gear: Ensure a life ring with rope or shepherd’s hook is within arm’s reach of the deep end.
- Lifeguard presence: If it’s a staffed facility, confirm a lifeguard is on duty before entering.
Protecting children
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for young children in North Carolina. Follow these guidelines:
- Constant supervision: Never leave a child unattended in or near water, even a pool with a lifeguard.
- Swim lessons: Enroll children in age-appropriate lessons; many community centers and YMCAs across NC offer courses for toddlers and up.
- Barriers and alarms: Install four-sided fencing, self-latching gates and pool-alarm systems at home.
- CPR training: Learn child and infant CPR, courses are available through the American Red Cross NC Chapter and local fire departments.
Residential pool safety
- Fencing: At least 48 inches high, with self-closing, self-latching gates separated from house doors.
- Covers: Use a rigid safety cover when the pool is not in use.
- Drain safety: Replace outdated drain covers with anti-entrapment models meeting ASTM standards.
- Alarms: Door, gate and water-surface alarms add extra warning if someone enters the pool area.
North Carolina resources
- NC Division of Public Health, Environmental Health Section: pool regulations and inspection contacts at epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/poolspa
- County environmental health departments: search your county’s site for inspection reports and complaint procedures
- NC Child Fatality Task Force: drowning prevention resources at childfatalitytaskforce.ncdhhs.gov
- American Red Cross NC Chapter: CPR and water‐safety classes at redcross.org/local/north-carolina
By knowing inspection standards, doing your own safety checks and using state resources, you can enjoy pool season while keeping your family safe.