What’s More Dangerous: A Pool with No Fence or a Gun in the House?

Why Water Safety Deserves the Same Urgency as Firearms Safety

When we think about household dangers, firearms often top the list, and for good reason. But another silent killer often goes overlooked: residential swimming pools.

According to the CDC, drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and most of these tragedies happen in home pools.

In 2021, 380 children under age 15 drowned, a 12% increase from the previous year.

By comparison, 82 children under the age of 10 died from unintentional firearm injuries that same year, the highest number in over two decades. Firearm deaths are undeniably tragic and demand serious attention. But for toddlers, pools present a statistically greater risk. To put it plainly, a toddler is more likely to drown in a backyard pool than to be accidentally shot in a home with a gun.

Let that sink in.

Why Aren’t We Talking More About This?

Guns are controversial. Pools are not. We associate pools with summer fun, family time, and relaxation. But for young kids, an unfenced, unsupervised pool is just as dangerous as a loaded firearm left on the coffee table.

And yet, while many families lock away their guns, they leave pools wide open, with no fences, pool alarms, or layers of protection.

It’s time we rethink that approach.

A Pool Fence is a Lifesaver

One of the most effective pool safety measures is a four-sided fence with a self-latching gate. It physically separates the home from the water, dramatically reducing risk. But not every state requires one, and even where it's recommended, many pools go unprotected.

That’s where GateWave comes in.

🛡️ GateWave: Your Smart Pool Safety Backup

At GateWave, we design smart pool safety devices that add an extra layer of protection, especially when fences aren’t enough or not in place.

Our devices include:

GateWave Guardian
A smart window alarm that alerts you when a child tries to exit the house toward the pool.

GateWave Sentinel
A door alarm that sounds when someone opens a pool-access door unsupervised.

These aren’t just gadgets, they’re drowning prevention tools designed to save lives.

But Can’t a Gun Put Others at Risk, Not Just the Child?

It’s true. When a child gains access to a firearm, the danger can extend beyond themselves. Guns can unintentionally harm siblings, friends, or even adults in the home. That’s a heartbreaking and valid concern.

But the loss of a single child to drowning is no less devastating. And more importantly, it’s preventable.

Both dangers deserve serious precautions. Both can be addressed with simple, consistent safety habits.

If You Lock Up Your Guns, Lock Down Your Pool

If you keep a gun in the house, chances are you’ve taken steps to store it safely. The same logic should apply to your pool.

Ask yourself: Would you leave a loaded gun on the coffee table? Then why leave your pool unlocked, unalarmed, and unmonitored?

According to a 2021 survey, 54% of gun owners don’t store their firearms unloaded and locked in a secure location.

Similarly, many pool owners lack essential safety tools like alarms, covers, or proper fencing.

The good news? Small changes can save lives.

Don’t Lose a Life Over an Easily Preventable Accident

We’re not saying you shouldn’t enjoy your pool. We’re saying you should treat it with the same seriousness you’d treat any other potentially deadly household hazard.

Because when it comes to our kids, “I didn’t think it could happen to me” should never be the last thing a parent says.

Take the First Step Toward Pool Safety Today

👉 Shop GateWave Smart Pool Alarms

💡 Not ready to buy? Download our FREE Pool Safety Checklist and learn how to protect your home today.