When Can a Child Go Into A Pool? A pediatrician was at an
outdoor community swimming pool and noted 2 very young infants
being played with in the pool. Both were being submerged up to
their trunks and had sun hats on. Knowing that the pool
contained various chemicals and that there was the possibility
of water-borne infectious disease, he wondered at what age a
child could go into a pool. He later looked up several
references from medical professional societies and national non-
profit agencies. He did not find a specific answer, but did
learn more information to better advise parents. Water safety is
clearly important for all ages. Drowning was the second leading
cause of unintentional injury death in US children from 1-19
years between 2000-2006. Non-fatal drowning victims usually do
well, but 5-10% have severe neurological damage. The highest
rate of drowning is in 0-4 year olds, with half of the drowning
occurring in swimming pools. Infants < 1 year have a high rate
of drowning in bathtubs and large bucket