Pool Safety Tips

Pool Safety

Did you know Florida leads the nation in pool drownings?

The City of Oviedo Fire Department encourages you to practice Pool Safety to prevent injury or loss of life with your swimming pool and/or spa. These pool safety tips from the American Red Cross will help you prevent a tragedy that is far too common in the State of Florida. 

Secure Your Pool When Not in Use

  • Completely surround your pool with four-sided isolation fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate that is out of the reach of a child.
  • A four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child’s risk of drowning 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.
  • For above-ground pools, secure, lock or remove steps, ladders and anything that can be used for access (such as outdoor furniture and toys) whenever the pool is not being actively supervised by an adult.
  • Install a secondary barrier, such as:
    1. Door alarms and locks that are out of the reach of a child on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool or spa area
    2. Lockable covers

Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors

  • Do not enter head first unless in a pool that has a safe diving area.
  • Stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.
  • Swim with a buddy.
  • Only swim when supervised by a water watcher.
  • Swim sober.
  • Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.


Take These Water Safety Steps

  • Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
  • Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
  • Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.

For more information, visit the American Red Cross website.

Did you know?  

The City of Oviedo provides swim lessons for persons of all ages!  From toddlers to adults, learning to swim is essential.  To learn more about swim lessons please visit our Aquatics Page here:  Learn to Swim!