New Pool Safety Guidelines: What Parents Should Know
As temperatures rise and children head to pools for summer fun and exercise, it’s critical that child care providers follow the latest safety measures to protect young swimmers. In 2025, updated pool safety guidelines have been introduced to strengthen protections for children in child care settings with pools, aiming to reduce accidents and provide parents peace of mind.
Key Updates in Pool Safety for Child Care Providers
- Mandatory Wear of Coast Guard-Approved Personal Flotation Devices
Child care providers are now required to ensure all children near or in the pool wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices, such as swim vests, life jackets, or floatation suits. This update emphasizes the use of certified safety gear over generic floaties or inflatable toys, providing reliable buoyancy and reducing drowning risks. - Certified Lifeguard Presence or Enhanced Supervision Ratios
For child care centers with pools, having a certified lifeguard on duty during pool hours is now strongly recommended. If this is not feasible, providers must maintain stricter supervision ratios—no more than one adult supervisor for every three children in the water. This change ensures closer, more attentive supervision to quickly respond to emergencies. - Emergency Equipment Accessibility
New rules mandate that child care facilities keep rescue equipment—such as a long safety pole with a hook and a life ring with a rope—readily accessible poolside at all times. These tools allow caregivers to quickly reach and assist a child in distress without entering the water. - Child Swim Ability Assessment and Water Safety Education
Providers must assess each child’s swim ability upon enrollment and offer age-appropriate water safety education. This includes teaching basic water survival skills and safe pool behavior to children, promoting awareness and confidence in the water. - Regular Safety Drills and Staff Training
Child care centers must conduct regular pool safety drills and ensure all staff members receive annual training on water rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid specific to pediatric emergencies. This prepares caregivers to act swiftly and effectively in case of an accident. - Fencing and Pool Barriers
Updated guidelines reinforce the importance of secure fencing and self-closing, self-latching gates around pools. Child care providers must ensure pool areas are fully enclosed to prevent unsupervised access, in compliance with local and state regulations.
These safety guidelines represent a significant step forward in protecting children at child care pools. The focus on certified flotation devices, improved supervision, emergency preparedness, and education means your child is safer than ever when enjoying water activities during the day.
If your child attends a child care center with a pool, don’t hesitate to ask how they’re implementing these new standards. Confirm that staff are trained, flotation devices are provided and used properly, and emergency equipment is in place and accessible.
Ultimately, these updated guidelines aim to create a safer environment where children can have fun and build swimming skills while parents gain confidence in their child care provider’s commitment to water safety.