Home swimming pool: Safety first!

Alarming numbers: 62 drowning deaths in 2025

According to the Quebec Lifesaving Society, the year 2025 ended with a total of 62 drowning deaths. Every tragedy is one too many. To keep swimming safe and enjoyable, it’s essential to follow residential pool safety rules and regulations. And as summer winds down, don’t forget: many experts advise closing above-ground pools by September 30 to reduce off-season risks.

Learn to swim like a fish

Sign your kids up for swimming lessons at a young age to lay a solid foundation.

• Contact your municipality to explore available swim programs.
• Starting as early as age 3 helps build confidence in the water and eases summer worries.

Residential pool regulations: what you need to know

The following is required under backyard pool regulations:

1. A secure fence with a self-closing and self-locking gate. In Quebec, all residential pools, including in-ground pools, must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.2 metres high. This is mandatory if the wall of an above-ground pool is under 1.2 metres, or if a portable pool wall is under 1.4 metres.
2. Keep objects (like filters, planters, lawnmowers) away from the fence.
3. Check with Quebec’s ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH) for the specific rules in your municipality.
4. If you have an above-ground pool, consider closing access by September 30 to reduce off-season risks.

Set clear swimming rules

Establish rules for your children and guests:

• No running in the pool area
• No diving head first in shallow water
• No holding your breath under water

Make sure anyone who isn’t comfortable in the water wears a life jacket. This kind of daily vigilance goes a long way in preventing accidents.

Stay vigilant: every second counts

According to the Lifesaving Society, nearly 85% of drownings among young children result from lack of supervision. Stay alert with these tips:

• Have adults take turns supervising.
• Designate a “lifeguard” for groups of people.
• On lakes, pay extra attention during water activities, and clearly mark swimming areas.
• And no matter your age, never swim alone.

CPR training: it can save lives

Did you know that CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training can help save lives? Even if you’ve never taken a course, the Canadian Red Cross offers accessible training sessions. In under than an hour, you can learn essential lifesaving skills:

• How to assist an unconscious person
• How to perform effective CPR until help arrives 

Before you install a pool

Swimming pools, whether above-ground or in-ground, are generally excluded from home insurance policies. Their installation does not automatically modify your coverage.

To make sure you’re properly covered, don’t forget to:

1. Inform your insurance provider that you plan to add a pool
2. Add an endorsement to your policy to cover damage to the pool itself
3. Verify your policy’s exclusions, particularly regarding building water infiltration should your pool break, which also requires a special endorsement

Build a future of safe swimming

It’s clear that your family’s commitment—backed by clear rules and proper training—sets the stage for a structured and safe swimming experience. Aim for safety excellence: every precaution you take builds trust and gets everyone on the same page.

Start now with practical steps: swimming lessons, securing the pool area, training adults, and notifying your insurance provider. Together, we can build a future where swimming goes hand in hand with fun, prevention and peace of mind.

FAQ – Home swimming pool: Safety first!

1. When do I have to have a fence installed around my pool?

If your pool doesn’t meet the minimum wall height requirements, a fence is now mandatory. In Quebec, all pools must be secured in accordance with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation. If your property does not yet comply, you must bring it into compliance by the established deadline, specifically by installing a fence that complies with the Regulation and is equipped with a self-closing and self-locking gate.

2. At what age can children begin swimming lessons?

Children can generally begin lessons at age 3. Starting early helps build their confidence in the water, reduces stress and helps prevent drowning. Check with your municipality to find out about programs available in your area.

3. What are the best practices for supervising swimming?

Active supervision is essential: never take your eyes off children, even for a moment. Have adults take turns supervising or designate a “lifeguard.” Avoid distractions (cell phones, reading) and make sure anyone who isn’t comfortable in the water wears a life jacket. Constant supervision significantly reduces the risk of accidents.