Keeping Kids Safe This Fall: Water Safety and Pool Recalls Every Provider Should Know
Even as we settle into the crisp days of Fall, safety remains a year-round priority for child care providers. While many think of water safety as a summertime concern, the truth is drowning can happen silently, quickly, and in as little as two inches of water, no matter the season. That’s why the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has recently released two important reminders for child care licensees, residential providers, foster family agencies, and caregivers.
Together, PIN 24-08-CCLD and PIN 25-16-CCLD highlight vital ongoing safety practices and an urgent recall of certain above-ground pools.
The Recall: Above-Ground Pools Pose a Hidden Danger
In July 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled about 5 million above-ground pools that use compression straps on the outside of their vertical poles.
Why? Those straps act like ladders, giving young children a foothold to climb into the pool. Tragically, nine children under age three drowned after gaining access this way.
If your facility has one of these pools:
- Stop using it immediately.
- Follow recall instructions to remove, repair, or return the product.
- Always make pools inaccessible when not in use, including removing or securing ladders.
Check here to see if your pool is affected: CPSC Recall Notice
Everyday Water Safety: Not Just for Summer
The earlier PIN 24-08-CCLD serves as a year-round reminder that water safety isn’t seasonal; it’s daily. Whether it’s hot summer days or crisp Fall afternoons, children remain at risk if water is not properly secured.
Key practices to review this Fall include:
- Active supervision: Never leave children unattended near water.
- Physical barriers: Pools must be enclosed with fences at least 60 inches high, self-closing gates, and no gaps or footholds.
- Daily checks: Inspect fences, gates, and covers before children go outdoors.
- Remove temptations: Take toys out of pools when not in use.
- Smart practices: Empty wading pools after each use, use alarms on doors and pools, and ensure staff maintain proper supervision ratios.
- Prepared staff: At least one adult present must always have current CPR and First Aid certification.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
As we move into Fall and families settle into routines, water safety can easily slip from the top of providers’ minds. Yet drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for children under five. For providers, safety is not just about compliance — it’s about protecting the most vulnerable in our care.
These CDSS reminders underscore a simple truth: vigilance around water is a year-round responsibility.
Take Action This Season
Here’s a quick checklist for providers:
- Check if your above-ground pool is part of the recall (look for external compression straps).
- Remove or repair recalled pools immediately.
- Review your facility’s pool enclosure and access controls.
- Re-train staff on daily water safety checks and supervision.
- Post visible reminders of water safety rules for staff and families.
Resources
- CPSC Recall Notice 25-393
- CDSS PIN 25-16-CCLD: Above-Ground Pool Recalls (2025)
- CDSS PIN 24-08-CCLD: Water Safety Reminders (2024)
- PoolSafety.gov
This Fall, let’s recommit to keeping children safe. Safety is not seasonal, and your attention today could prevent a tragedy tomorrow.
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