As Houston’s temperatures soar,pools become a central hub for families and neighbors.But with the fun comes serious risk:drowning is fast,silent and often preventable.

Houston’s Chief Medical Officer,Dr.David Persse,reminds us that this isn’t only a children’s issue.

“When we think about drownings,most people do think about children drowning,but adults drown,you know,quite frequently.”

This month,temperatures in Houston have reached around 90–92°F on many days.High humidity often pushes the heat index into the upper 90s and even above 100°F in the afternoon.

In this kind of heat,it is natural for people to seek relief in water.That is why strong pool safety practices are especially critical during Houston’s long,hot summer.

Why Pool Safety Matters

So far in 2026,multiple children in Texas — including in Harris County — have already drowned.

Drowning can occur in almost any amount of water:pools,spas,bathtubs,buckets,toilets and even shallow standing water.Most incidents are quick and silent;there is often no splashing or yelling.

Effective pool safety relies onlayers of protectionrather than any single measure and requires the attention of residents and pool and apartment managers.

Life-saving measures include:

1. A focused adult watching the water at all times.
2. Fencing,self-latching gates and door/window or pool alarms.
3. Lessons for children and adults.
4. Life jackets,clear signage and safe behavior.
5. CPR training,rescue equipment and clear emergency procedures.

If you live in an apartment or community with a pool,check that the fence surrounds the pool and is at least 4 feet high(5 feet is even better).Report any broken gates,locks,latches or gaps in fencing to management immediately.

Before swimming,learn where the emergency phone,rescue equipment and first-aid kit are located.

Put children in brightly colored swimsuits to increase visibility in the water,and never leave a child or vulnerable adult alone near water.

Remove all distractions:no phones,alcohol,socializing or multitasking while it’s your turn to watch the kids.

Pay attention to the weather.If there is lightning or thunder nearby,clear the pool and don’t return until the storm has passed.

If a near-drowning happens,watch the swimmer for signs of Secondary Drowning,which occurs when a swimmer has been submerged long enough to inhale water before rescue.The child may seem fine for minutes or hours after the event.

Dr.Samuel Prater,Medical Director of Emergency Services at Memorial Hermann Hospital,which has a location in the Southwest District,advises parents to watch for rapid breathing or grunting,coughing,shortness of breath,chest pain and irritability.

Children sometimes also exhibit cyanotic signs – a blueness inside or around the mouth,or blue-tinted nail beds.

“If you see these signs,call 9-1-1,” Dr.Prater says.

Pool Safety Responsibilities for Apartment Managers

Property owners and managers in Houston play a critical role in preventing drownings and pool-related injuries.Pool safety is not just a best practice;it is also a regulatory and ethical responsibility.

1. Pool Fences
   • Should be at least 4 feet high(5 feet recommended).
   • Fully surround the pool or spa area.
   • Have self-closing,self-latching gates that open away from the pool.
   • Should be regularly inspected for malfunctioning latches,locks or broken or missing sections,as well as gaps.
2. Water Quality and Visibility
   • Keep pool water clear enough that you can easily see the bottom of the deepest end of the pool.
   • Close the pool to swimmers if the water is green,cloudy or visibility is poor and address the underlying cause(filtration,chemicals,circulation or contamination)before reopening.
3. Signage and Communication
   • Post pool rules and emergency contact information in highly visible locations,including no running or rough play on decks,as well as supervision requirements for children and no swimming during storms or when lifeguards(if present)are off duty.
   • Communicate regularly with residents about pool safety.
4. Inspections and Compliance
   • Schedule regular professional inspections and routine maintenance of all pools and spas.
   • Confirm that pool drains and covers meet current safety codes.
   • If you are unsure whether your pool meets safety standards,contact the Houston Health Department for guidance.

The Houston Health Department’s pool safety program works to eliminate dangerous conditions at pools and aquatic facilities.

Anyone who notices an unsecured pool can call 3-1-1 to report it.

Sign Up for Safety

The YMCA of Greater Houston offersswim lessons for infants,children,teens and adultsat multiple locations:https://ymcahouston.org/programs/swimming/swim-lessons.

The YMCA also offersvirtual swim safety lessonshere:https://www.htxplus.org/safety-around-water.

And,on June 25,several YMCA locations in the Houston area will participate in theWorld’s Largest Swim Lesson.It’s FREE,but pre-registration is required.

Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas(District F)will host the4th Annual Summer of Safety,which features a major water-safety component,on Saturday,June 13,at the Alief Neighborhood Center.Learn morehere.

TheAmerican Red Crossoffers a variety of online and in-person water safety and life-saving classes.Learn more:https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming

For private lessons,considerHouston Swim Club Sharpstown,8307 Augustine Dr,Houston,TX 77036

Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospitalalso offers the following swim safety advice:https://memorialhermann.org/services/specialties/childrens/patients-visitors/kids-health-safety-guide/safety-outdoors/water-safety-tips

Houston summers are long and hot.

By staying informed,being proactive and looking out for one another,residents and property managers can help ensure that pools remain places of fun and relaxation this summer — not tragedy.

— Dorothy Puch Lillig