U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Releases Report on the Vital Importance of Swimming Pool and Spa Safety

On June 8, 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its annual drowning and submersion report that studied the estimated number of pool or spa-related nonfatal drowning injuries and fatal drownings between 2020 and 2022. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1-4 and this report aims to raise awareness of the importance of water safety around pools and spas.

The Dangers of Not Following Swimming Pool and Spa Safety

According to the 2023 CPSC data, the potential for fatal drownings and nonfatal drowning injuries remains high for children under the age of 15. The report uncovered the following: 

• Between 2018 and 2020, there were an average of 371 pool or spa related fatal drownings reported per year. 
• On average, from 2020 through 2022, there were an estimated 6,300 pool or spa related, hospital emergency department treated, nonfatal drowning injuries each year. Seventy-six percent of these nonfatal drowning injuries involved children younger than 5 years of age. 
• The number of estimated non-fatal drowning injuries in 2022 was 6,400, which was statistically the same as 2021. 
• For children younger than five years of age, the total number of fatal drownings in 2020 (279 fatalities), was higher than the total number of fatal drownings in 2019 (254 fatalities). 

“The fatalities from drowning and non-fatal drowning injuries are still high, so water safety vigilance remains crucially important this summer and all year,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “CPSC urges parents and caregivers to follow Pool Safely safety steps.”  

Pool Safely Campaign

CPSC launched its Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives campaign in 2010 to help reduce childhood drownings, submersion injuries and entrapment.  

The campaign’s primary focus is to raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with residential swimming pools and hot tubs and to promote simple steps that can be taken to prevent accidents and save lives. The campaign targets parents, caregivers and pool owners, providing them with essential information and resources to make pools and spas safer. 

The Pool Safely campaign emphasizes these “Simple Steps to Save Lives”: 

1. Supervision: Never leave children unattended in or near water. Constant adult supervision is crucial, and designated water watchers should avoid distractions like phones or reading. 
2. Barriers: Install and maintain effective barriers around pools and spas to prevent unauthorized access by young children. This includes fences, gates, door alarms, and pool covers. 
3. Water Safety and Skills: Teach children basic water safety rules and swimming skills. Everyone should learn how to swim and know what to do in case of an emergency. 
4. Learning CPR: Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and other life-saving techniques. Being prepared to respond to a water emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome. 
5. Emergency Preparedness: Have appropriate safety equipment and resources readily available, such as reaching or throwing aids, a first aid kit, and a telephone to call for help in case of an emergency. 

SEE RELATED: Pool Safely Ask the Experts video series discussing drowning safety tips and recommendations.  

Water Safety Resources by the International Code Council

The International Code Council understands the importance of pool and spa safety and has several resources to help raise awareness among the public.

View the Code Council’s Backyard Safety Tips here. Read the Code Council’s 10 Important Tips to Remember for Backyard and Pool Safety here.