Regional partners unite to inspect pools and share drowning prevention tips
As temperatures rise and families head to the water, Hillsborough County Code Enforcement and regional partners once again highlighted the importance of pool safety during the fourth annual Safe Pools Day Tampa Bay.
Code enforcement teams from Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City recently conducted inspections of apartment, condominium, neighborhood, subdivision, and public swimming pools to help ensure facilities are safe and ready for the busy summer season.
Officers reviewed key safety features, including compliant barriers and fencing, self-closing and self-latching gates, required safety signage, drain covers, and overall pool conditions. These measures help reduce the risk of accidents and create safer environments for residents and visitors.
A collaborative approach to prevention
Safe Pools Day Tampa Bay brings together local governments, public health officials, and community organizations with a shared goal: preventing drownings and water-related injuries.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County supports the effort by emphasizing the importance of proper water quality and sanitation. Clean, properly maintained pools help protect swimmers from illness and complement the physical safety measures reviewed during inspections.
The Children's Board of Hillsborough County also participated by sharing practical water safety information for families, including:
- Assign a water watcher: Designate an adult whose sole responsibility is actively supervising swimmers, and rotate the role every 10 to 15 minutes.
- Secure pool access: Install and maintain alarms on doors and gates that lead to pool areas, and consider additional pool entry alarm systems.
- Learn to swim: Swim lessons can help children develop lifesaving skills and build confidence in the water.
Safety all season long
As summer and hurricane season kick in, 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:
1. Safe - Prevent unsupervised access and ensure fencing and barriers meet code requirements.
2. Secure - Pool access gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Homeowners can reduce their safety risk and avoid citations by checking their functional access gate to ensure it meets local standards.
3. 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.