Regional effort continues to promote swim safety during Third Annual Safe Pools Day Tampa Bay
Hillsborough County and other code enforcement teams recently fanned out across the county to inspect apartment, condominium, subdivision, neighborhood, and public pools to ensure they are not only ready for summer use but also meet safety standards that help prevent tragic accidents.
The City of Tampa's Loretta Ingraham Pool once again served as the launching site for Safe Pools Day Tampa Bay - a coordinated effort among Hillsborough County, the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City, along with community and health partners, to spotlight swimming pool safety as families prepare for summer.
Inspectors checked for compliant safety barriers, self-closing and self-latching gates, drain covers, proper signage, and clean, clear water - all part of a checklist designed to reduce risk and protect lives.
A multi-agency approach to safer summers
As part of the collaboration, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County contributed by focusing on water quality. Ensuring the cleanliness and chemical balance of pool water is essential to swimmers' health and complements the physical safety measures reviewed by Code Enforcement.
Together, these efforts reinforce the importance of maintaining secure and sanitary environments during Florida's hot and humid swim season.
Water safety starts at home
The Children's Board of Hillsborough County also joined the event, providing practical guidance for families to help prevent drownings and injuries:
- Designate a "water watcher" - An adult whose only job is to actively supervise swimmers, switching off every 10-15 minutes to stay alert
- Install pool alarms - Use alarms on doors and gates leading to pools, and consider surface alarms that alert when someone enters the water
- Invest in swim lessons - Drowning is a leading cause of death of children age 4 and under in Florida. Swim instruction can be a life-saving skill, with local programs available for children as young as 6 months old
Safety all season long
As summer kicks in and hurricane season approaches, residents are reminded to treat pool safety as a year-round responsibility. Homes that host gatherings or serve as evacuation sites should have safety measures in place, including secure fencing and functional pool gates.
Hillsborough County Code Enforcement encourages everyone to keep pools:
- Safe - Prevent unsupervised access and ensure fencing and barriers meet code requirements
- Secure - Pool access gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Homeowners can reduce their safety risk and avoid a citation by checking their functional access gate to ensure it meets local standards.
- Sanitary - A clean swimming pool is a must. Pollen, leaves, and other organic material can transform a backyard oasis into a murky green lagoon if not properly maintained. Residents should maintain pools and spas year-round and remove standing water from the top of pool and spa covers to prevent mosquitoes, bacteria, and germs from breeding.
Whether it's in your backyard or a public facility, keeping swim areas safe, secure, and sanitary is a shared responsibility. By staying vigilant and following safety guidelines, you can help ensure that every splash this season is a safe one.
To report a code violation related to swimming pools in unincorporated Hillsborough County, call Code Enforcement at (813) 274-6600.