The 5 Layers of Protection

May 15

How to Keep Kids Safe Around Water

Every year, drowning claims the lives of far too many children—and most of these tragedies are preventable. On International Water Safety Day, let’s have the conversation that matters: how to protect kids with a layered approach to water safety.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or provider, these five layers work together to save lives. No single solution is enough. Together, they reduce risk, increase confidence, and build safer swimmers.

The 5 Layers of Protection:

1. Barriers & Alarms
Install four-sided fencing with self-latching gates around all pools. Door and pool alarms add an extra layer of protection, especially when young children are nearby.

In Arizona, state law requires that:

Residential pools must be enclosed by a barrier at least 5 feet high.
Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch placed at least 54 inches from the ground.
For homes built after 1991, additional measures like door alarms or latching mechanisms are required if the home serves as part of the pool barrier.
Openings in the barrier must be small enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through.
“A swimming pool, as defined in this section, shall be entirely enclosed by a barrier as described in this section if the residence was constructed after June 1, 1991 and a child under six years of age resides in the residence.” (Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-1681 – Pool Enclosures; Requirements; Enforcement)
Check with your local city or county for specific ordinances, as requirements may vary.

Home Insurance:

Additionally, homeowners insurance policies in Arizona require pools to be compliant with legal safety barriers in order to issue or maintain coverage. Non-compliance may increase liability and can result in denied claims.

2. Supervision
Nothing replaces your eyes.

Always assume that in a group setting, no one is watching your child except you. Even in gatherings with multiple adults, it's common for everyone to assume someone else is supervising. Designate a specific adult as the "Water Watcher" to maintain constant, undistracted supervision of children in or near water. This role should rotate every 15–30 minutes to prevent fatigue.

If your child is missing, check the pool first. In homes with a pool, the pool area should be the first place you look if a child is unaccounted for. Seconds count in preventing drowning incidents.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), most child drownings occur when children are not expected to be in the pool area. The CPSC emphasizes the importance of constant supervision and immediate response in such situations.

3. Water Competency
Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. Every child should be taught how to enter water safely, float, turn around, and reach an exit even if they aren’t yet “strong swimmers.” Check out our recommended providers for swimming lessons.

4. Life Jackets
Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for:

Boating
Open water
Situations where supervision may lapse

Do not rely on floaties or water wings. These are not safety devices and can provide a dangerous false sense of security.

5. Emergency Preparation
Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby anytime children are swimming. Seconds count—knowing what to do can save a life.

Why It Matters:
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1–4, and the second leading cause for children up to 14. Most drownings happen during non-swim times, when a child slips out of sight for just a moment.

Water is part of life here in Arizona. Let’s make it safer for our kids.

Resources for Parents:

References:

Elizabeth Junck

The 5 Layers of Protection

How to Keep Kids Safe Around Water

Drowning is Silent- Swimming Lessons Save Lives