
USA Today (6/20/16) reports that although there was a key needed to access the pool area, there was a gap in the fence. With a water level of over three feet, the pool was deadly for the boys who were just learning how to swim.
Pools—both the above-ground and in-ground types—are a huge attraction for children, who are often not aware how dangerous they can be or how quickly things can turn deadly. Although there are rules about safety measures to prevent children from wandering into pools unattended, there is still a high death toll due to fences not being properly maintained or children being resourceful enough to get through the barriers.
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The news report cites US Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics putting the annual death toll of children under the age of five who drown in pools at almost 300. One out of 10 child pool drownings happens after the child has figured out how to get through pool fences, and 87% of child drownings happen in residential pools.
That means parents have to be vigilant about their kids, even if the pool is in a locked area. And pool owners must ensure any barriers protecting children from an unattended pool are properly maintained. Even with covers over pools, if water gets above the cover there is the possibility for a child drowning.