Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (Photo – TheRBAC)
As National Water Safety Month is observed throughout May, the City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center are urging residents to prioritize drowning prevention and safe swimming habits ahead of the summer season.
By News Desk
City officials said the annual awareness campaign comes as families begin planning trips to pools, beaches and other recreational water sites during warmer weather.
According to the Pasadena Public Health Department, 39 drowning deaths involving Pasadena residents or incidents occurring within the city were reported between 2007 and 2025. More than 23% of those deaths involved children under the age of 18, while 31% involved adults age 65 and older. On average, approximately two Pasadena residents die from drowning each year.
Officials emphasized that supervision and water safety awareness are critical in preventing drowning and water-related injuries.
Residents are encouraged to take several precautions when visiting pools or open water areas, including enrolling in swim lessons, following posted safety rules and avoiding swimming alone. The city also advises swimmers to avoid diving head-first into water less than nine feet deep and to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices instead of inflatable toys or water wings.
Health officials also warned against swimming after consuming alcohol or medications that may cause disorientation. To reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, residents are advised not to swim while sick or experiencing diarrhea.
Additional safety recommendations for children include keeping them within arm’s reach around water, checking water first if a child goes missing and emptying tubs, buckets and small pools after use. Officials also recommend installing pool fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates at least four feet high.
The city encourages residents to learn CPR and basic water rescue skills as another layer of protection.
Swim lessons are available year-round through Pasadena aquatics programs and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, with financial assistance offered to qualifying families.
Officials also reminded homeowners to properly maintain pools, spas and water features with balanced chlorine, bromine and pH levels to help prevent illnesses such as swimmer’s itch, swimmer’s ear and skin rashes.
More information about healthy swimming practices is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Safe Kids Worldwide.
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