Wake County staff will highlight safety measures as pools open

With summer just around the corner, Wake County is urging residents to make water safety a top priority. Drowning continues to be a serious and tragic issue, claiming the lives of both children and adults each year. Since 2019, the County has seen between seven and nine drowning deaths annually.

"As pool season begins, Wake County is committed to ensuring that every swimming experience is safe,” said Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson. “We will do everything in our power to promote water safety and protect our community, so everyone can enjoy a fun and worry-free summer."

In 2023, there were seven drowning deaths, all involving adults. However, in 2024, the number of drownings involving children under 18 rose, with two of the eight fatalities affecting young people.

To prevent such tragedies, Wake County urges all swimmers and pool operators to follow these essential safety tips:

• Always supervise children. A responsible adult should always be present and attentive while children are swimming.
• Teach swimming skills early. Enrolling children in swim lessons significantly reduces drowning risks.
• Use barriers and alarms. Fences, self-latching gates and pool alarms add extra layers of protection.
• Learn CPR. Quick response with CPR can save lives in emergency situations. Know how to call emergency services and have first aid supplies on hand.
• Avoid alcohol consumption while swimming. Impairment increases the risk of drowning.
• Follow posted safety rules. Running near pools and diving in shallow areas can lead to serious injuries.

Pool inspections and permit requirements

To help promote safety at public pools, Wake County inspectors are busy inspecting the 1,436 public swimming pools throughout the county. These pools, which range from municipal and apartment complexes to homeowner associations and private clubs, are being thoroughly inspected by a team of 70 inspectors who are working to meet safety standards and issue permits for the upcoming swimming season.

Pool inspections requests opened on April 1 and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure your pool is ready for the Memorial Day holiday on May 26, the unofficial start of summer, the following steps must be completed by May 12:

• A pool permit fee of $300, which must be paid before the permitting inspection can be scheduled.
• The pool must have current Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB) documentation on file.
• The inspector must be contacted to request an inspection.
   

Additionally, if a pool fails the permitting inspection, a $75 re-inspection fee will be required before scheduling a second inspection. This fee helps ensure that the inspection process remains efficient and that all pools meet the necessary safety standards before opening for the season.

Wake County inspectors verify that emergency and safety equipment is accessible and working properly. They test chlorine and pH levels, which measure the level of chemicals or acidity in the water. The inspectors also ensure there are no trip hazards on the pool deck, verify proper signage is posted and check the pool pumps and suction covers. If any critical violations are found, such as the absence of disinfectant in the pool or the presence of algae, pools are not allowed to open until the pool operator corrects the violations and schedule a re-inspection.

New online payment system for pool permits

To make the permit process quicker and more efficient, Wake County is introducing a new online payment system for pool permits. Seasonal pool owners can make payments using the QR code provided on their invoice.

Invoices for both year-round and seasonal pools have already been mailed to property owners, and for those who prefer not to pay online, checks can still be mailed to the county.

For more information about pool inspections, please visit our website at wake.gov/pools and check out the Frequently Asked Questions section.