Effort Launched to Promote Pool Safety in Hillsborough

Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 9, 2024) - With the school year almost over and swimming pool season about to hit full swing, Hillsborough County is teaming up with the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City and the Children's Board of Hillsborough County for Safe Pools Day Tampa Bay.

On Friday, May 10, code enforcement officers from each jurisdiction will visit condominium, subdivision, apartment complex, and other common-area pools to ensure they meet safety standards, including those outlined in the Hillsborough County Code. Staff will look for appropriate fencing, signage, drain covers, sanitation, and more. Violations can result in citations and fines, but code enforcement officers' emphasis is on education and compliance.

May is Water Safety Month, and the Children's Board of Hillsborough County will give tips for water safety and how to help prevent pool injuries and drownings. Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths of children 4 years old or younger, and most of the deaths are preventable. With hurricane season starting June 1, the Children's Board wants parents and caregivers to add pool safety to their hurricane safety check list, especially if a family needs to evacuate to a home with a pool.

The campaign will kick off at 10 a.m. Friday, May 10, at Loretta Ingraham Center and Pool, 1611 N. Hubert Ave., Tampa, FL 33607.