Keep Safety in Mind with Backyard Portable Pools

Editor's Note: The following news release was issued by Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek as the latest in a series of weekly safety messages.

A child dies every five days in portable pools during warm-weather months, according to a study.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office reminds all residents to put safety measures in place when using all sizes of portable pools and kiddie pools:

• When possible, empty the water from the pool when not in use. For larger pools, use fencing and safety devices such as pool alarms to reduce risk of drowning.

• Set clear rules for your children about using portable pools. For example, children should not use the pool unless there is adult supervision.

• A responsible adult must watch children who are in the water or near the water. Maintain visual contact with kids. Avoid distractions such as cell phones, closing eyes for sunbathing, or talking with other adults. 

• If a child is missing, search all nearby areas of water first—including any nearby kiddie pools. 

Even if you don't have young children in your home, there are children in the neighborhood who may wander into your yard and drown in your portable pool.

A recent study & information from safety experts include: 

• Journal of Pediatrics shows 209 deaths and 35 near-drownings of young children from 2001 through 2009. 

• Most of the children who drown were under 5. 

• Cases of drowning include: kids opened the doors of their houses and climbed into the pool using a ladder OR kids playing in the pool when parents were nearby but were distracted by chores or a phone call. 

• "Layers of protection" are recommended which means to combine active adult supervision—with other safety measures—such as learning CPR and putting safety fences in place.

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