Latham and Olympic Gold Medalist Bode Miller Remind Families to Prioritize Pool Safety for Water Safety Month

As families prepare to spend more time outside and in the water, Latham Group Inc. is encouraging homeowners to take simple, proactive steps to keep their backyards safe. In recognition of National Water Safety Month this May, the manufacturer of in-ground residential swimming pools is working with husband and wife Olympic and world championship six-time gold medalist Bode Miller and professional beach volleyball champion Morgan Miller to share essential pool safety reminders.

“Water safety is something that hits very close to home for me, which is why we’ve teamed up with Latham and Coverstar to help bring more attention to drowning prevention,” Bode says. “After losing our daughter, my wife Morgan and I have made it our mission to share our story and help other families take simple, proactive steps that can truly save lives.”

“No parent ever thinks a tragedy will happen to them, but it can happen in seconds,” Morgan adds. “If sharing our story encourages even one family to take an extra precaution — whether that’s supervision, swim lessons or adding an automatic safety cover — it’s worth it. These small steps can truly save lives.”

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, with more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Creating spaces where families can relax and connect is at the heart of what we do, but those moments should always be supported by strong safety measures,” says Sean Gadd, president and CEO of Latham. “Our focus is on empowering homeowners with simple, effective solutions that help make pools safer.”

Latham recommends keeping these safety reminders at the forefront:

• Keep active supervision a priority. Always have a responsible adult watching when children are in or near the pool. Assign a dedicated “water watcher” and stay distraction-free, especially from phones.
• Start swim lessons early. Teaching kids to swim is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning in children ages 1-4 by 88%, according to the National Institutes of Health.
• Add layers of protection with an automatic safety cover. An automatic safety cover provides a strong, secure barrier over the pool when not in use. Made with ultradurable material, these covers help prevent access to the water and offer added peace of mind. Coverstar automatic pool covers are designed with heavy-duty material that can support significant weight, creating a reliable layer of protection for families. A keyed safety switch is required for operation, adding an extra layer of protection.
• Set clear pool safety rules. Make sure everyone in the household understands basic safety rules, such as never swimming alone and entering the pool feet first.
• Be ready to respond. Keep safety equipment like a life ring and first aid kit nearby, and consider learning CPR so you’re prepared to respond in an emergency.

To learn more about the Millers’ story, visit Coverstar.com. For additional information on water safety and automatic safety covers, visit LathamPool.com.