Citation

Gilchrist J, Mack K. Int. J. Aquatic Res. Educ. 2008; 2(1): 16-26.

Affiliation

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Bowling Green State University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The objective of the study was to estimate the proportion of U.S. households with access to a residential swimming pool and the prevalence of adequate pool fencing. Data were collected using national cross-sectional telephone surveys in 1994 and 2001–03. Nearly 15% of households (16.3 million) reported access to a swimming pool at their residence (14.9%, 95% CI 14.1–15.7); only 74% were reported to be adequately fenced. Adequate pool fencing is associated with lower income, renting the residence, and residing in a building with multiple units or an attached house. An estimated 488,633 households with pool access, where the family owns the residence and has children less than 5 years old, were not adequately fenced. Between 1994 and 2001–03, the percentage of pools that were adequately fenced did not change substantially. This study highlights the need for continued efforts to target families with young children with drowning-prevention interventions that include and emphasize adequate pool fencing.