How a Pool Fence Can Save Lives

Summer is all about fun in the sun. Trips to the beach, sleeping in late, and hours spent by the pool are surefire signs that summer is in full swing. But what happens when those fun activities turn into tragedy?

As refreshing and fun as a swimming pool can be, it can be equally as dangerous for unsuspecting and unprepared children. It’s important to note that one in five people who die from drowning are children.¹ That’s why it’s essential to prepare your children and your backyard for the summer swimming season as soon as possible.

On average 3,500 – 4,000 people drown each year in the United States. Young children are particularly susceptible to pool-related injuries, drowning is the leading cause of death for ages 1-4 .² Of the total number of non-fatal drowning incidents that resulted in emergency room visits between 2015 and 2017, 73 percent of the victims were 5 or younger.³

So far in 2023, there were 90 fatal child drownings in Texas for children age 17 and younger.⁴

Drownings like these happen all the time and peak during the summer when everyone goes outside for a dip in the pool. It can happen to anyone. In June, retired Olympic skier Bode Miller’s 19-month-old daughter drowned after falling into a backyard swimming pool.⁵

Prevention Practices

These accidents can be prevented when the right security measures are in place. If you have a swimming pool at home, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several ways to prevent child drownings, including:

Constant supervision

Keeping your children safe in the pool this summer is a two-way street. Although you’ve trained them and educated them on pool safety and swimming best practices, the best way to keep them safe in the pool is to closely watch them. There are a couple of general rules you should follow when monitoring your children at the pool.

1. Sit outside or be in the pool with them. Also, be present and alert and off your cell phone.  It’s not good enough to watch them through a window while you’re inside the house. Every second counts when you’re trying to save them from drowning.
2. Have everything you will need outside with you. As unlikely as it may seem, stepping inside just for a minute to grab something you need can be extremely dangerous for a child in a pool.
3. If you do have to step inside, ask the children to get out of the pool and out of the pool area (on the other side of your fence) until you return.

Swimming lessons

You should also ensure that your children have had swimming lessons. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says formal swimming lessons can reduce the chance of drowning by 88% in children ages one to four. Swimming lessons not only ensure that they’re prepared in case they were to fall into the pool, but their swimming abilities will be stronger and will give you and your children more confidence in their swimming.

Clearing the pool and deck of toys

What many guardians don’t take into consideration is that toys left out near the pool are enticing to children. Remove toys from the pool and surrounding areas so children aren’t tempted to approach the water unsupervised.

Add a pool fence

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends installing a four-sided fence that completely separates the pool area from the house and yard.

Prevent children from accessing the pool at inappropriate times by installing a fence around your pool. Many cities and counties require that you add a fence around your pool, including our hometown – Austin.

If you’re in the Austin area, pools (and pool fences) will be inspected once installed. The requirements for pool fences vary on whether the pool is for commercial or personal use. If the pool is for personal use, the fence height must be at least four feet tall and cannot include any openings or gaps larger than 4 inches. Your pool fence needs a gate, and the gate needs to swing away from the pool and have a latch at least 60” high.

Types of pool fences

Iron – While not as popular as it once was for pool fences, iron is still cherished for its antique appearance and durability. Homeowners typically choose this fencing material for its classic appearance.

Wood – Wooden fences are another traditional and long-lasting option that gives homeowners more privacy. They are available in a variety of designs, colors, shapes, and sizes and only need to be painted or treated annually.

Vinyl – Vinyl fences are the safest choice for children because there are no gaps to squeeze through, bars to climb, or sharp edges. They are more durable than standard wood fences and provide a high level of privacy for your backyard.

Protect your family with a pool fence from Austex Fence and Deck in Austin, TX

Swimming is the fourth most popular activity in the United States, and with over 10.4 million residential pools nationwide, it’s increasingly important that every safety measure is exhausted to prevent accidental drownings.⁶

At Austex Fence and Deck, we take pool safety seriously. Our sales team is thoroughly educated on the local pool fence safety codes to ensure that every fence we install meets or exceeds the required standards. Whether you’re installing a fence for the first time or updating an existing one, our knowledgeable team will guide you through the process and ensure that your pool area is safe, secure, and compliant with the latest regulations.

If your backyard pool isn’t fenced in, call on the professionals at Austex Fence and Deck. We’ve been serving central Texas for more than 25 years and have completed over 200,000 projects along the way. From decks to fences, we’ll enhance the beauty of your property and help keep your family safe.

For your free quote, visit us online or call (512) 258-5000.