Pool Party Safety Tips for Parents to Protect Kids

Have you ever tried to relax at a pool party with kids running around—your toddler hanging on your leg, people chatting, drinks flowing—and thought, “We’re all watching, right?”
What if I told you that, in moments like those, most kids who drown are surrounded by adults?

As a parent and someone who’s spent over two decades in the pool industry, I’ve learned firsthand that “someone watching” often means no one is.

In this article, I’ll share what every pool-owning or pool-visiting family needs to know to keep kids safe, including:

• What most people misunderstand about drowning
• Why a fence and a designated lifeguard are non-negotiable
• What myths are still putting kids at risk
• What you can do to prevent risk

Why Pool Safety Is Personal for Me

I was born and raised in another country, in a family where learning to swim and learning English were non-negotiables. Years later, in a different country and pregnant with my second child, I was surrounded by pools and new responsibilities.

My in-laws were in the pool business and had just remodeled their beautiful backyard. My daughter already knew how to swim (remember, in my family, swimming was a must), but now I had an intrepid and fearless one-year-old boy. That kid had no hesitation about jumping into the water.

So I did what any protective mom would do: I asked my in-laws to drill holes in their brand-new deck to install a removable pool fence. It was not exactly what they expected from their daughter-in-law visiting for a Sunday brunch, but I knew I couldn’t enjoy the visit—or stay sane—if I was chasing a toddler every second through a huge house that wasn’t childproofed.

After much discussion, they agreed. We installed the fence and began teaching my son how to swim at the same time.

Every Party Was a Pool Party—and I Had One Rule

Over the years, that pool has hosted countless kids' parties, adult gatherings, barbecues, birthdays—you name it. But one thing never changed: if kids were in the water, we had a designated lifeguard.

To be clear, I’m not talking about a whistle-wearing, high-chair lifeguard. I’m talking about someone designated not to drink, not to scroll, not to mingle—to watch the kids. We usually hired a local high school or college student certified in lifeguarding. It didn’t break the bank, and it saved peace of mind.
Yes, people rolled their eyes. But let me ask you:

Can you honestly say you’re watching the kids at a pool party the entire time while recording a reel, checking your texts, or sipping a glass of wine?

What Most People Don’t Know About Drowning

Here’s the part that still shocks me after 24 years in the pool industry and 31 years as a mom:

Most people assume drowning is loud, dramatic, and obvious. It’s not.

• When a child inhales water, they don’t scream. Their body is trying to breathe, not cry for help.

• In a crowded pool, roughhousing looks just like drowning.

• It can take seconds if no one’s specifically watching.

5 Pool Safety Facts Most Parents Don’t Know

• It only takes 4 inches of water for a baby to drown. That’s less than what’s in most bathtubs.

• According to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and the California Swimming PoolSafety Act, any structure containing more than 18 inches of water is considered a pool, which means that even shallow tanning ledges and Baja steps require serious safety precautions.

• Dark pool finishes make it harder to see the bottom—visibility matters, especially in emergencies.

• Not all swimsuit colors are created equal. Neon colors like bright orange, lime green, and hot pink are easier to see underwater than pastels or blues.

• Floaties aren’t a substitute for supervision. Only Coast Guard-approved life jackets should be trusted in a pool.

In Southern California, Pools Are Practically a Given—So Safety Should Be Too

Did you know that Southern California has roughly one pool for every three homes?  That means your kids will likely swim somewhere this summer—even if you don’t own a pool. This makes this a public safety issue, not just a parenting one.

So what can we do?

• Start swim lessons early—like, before they’re two.
• Install barriers—fences, alarms, and covers.
• Designate a lifeguard—every time, no exceptions.

Don’t Be the Statistic—Be the Voice

Each year, around 4,000 children drown in the U.S.

If any part of this resonates with you—if you’ve ever hesitated to speak up at a party, install that fence, or pay for a lifeguard—please help spread the message. This isn’t about shame. It's about saving lives.

Let’s Make Pool Safety a Priority—Starting Now

Pool safety isn’t just about having fun—it’s about ensuring everyone makes it to the end of the party.

Now you know that drowning is fast, silent, and preventable—if someone’s truly watching. So next time you're at a pool, speak up. Hire a lifeguard. Set the rules. Your voice might be the one that saves a life.

With 24 years of experience in the pool industry, I am also a mother determined not to fall into the "I never imagined it could happen to me" mindset. Let's make sure we avoid it together.

Want to learn more about building a pool with safety in mind? Start with the following articles in our blog:

• Pool Safety with AI
• World Drowning Prevention Day 2023: 5 Layers of Protection
• Ensuring Pool Safety for Children with Autism