Deadline: 13-Jul-2026
The Pool Safely Grant Program is now accepting applications to support state and local efforts focused on preventing child drowning and drain entrapment incidents in pools and spas. Administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the programme provides funding for education, enforcement, and safety initiatives that improve compliance with federal pool and spa safety standards.
The initiative operates under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) and supports projects that strengthen drowning prevention awareness, improve public pool safety practices, and reduce risks associated with unsafe drains and pool environments. The total estimated funding available is $4,000,000, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $400,000.
What is the Pool Safely Grant Program?
The Pool Safely Grant Program is a federal funding initiative designed to reduce child drowning and pool-related entrapment incidents through education, regulation enforcement, and public safety improvements.
The programme supports:
- Drowning prevention education
- Pool safety awareness campaigns
- Enforcement of pool safety laws
- Compliance monitoring
- Public safety training
- Community safety initiatives
- Pool and spa safety improvements
The goal is to improve safety in public and community swimming environments while protecting children from preventable injuries and fatalities.
What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act?
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) is a U.S. federal law aimed at preventing drowning and suction entrapment incidents in swimming pools and spas.
The law establishes safety standards related to:
- Drain covers
- Anti-entrapment systems
- Pool safety equipment
- Public pool compliance requirements
The Pool Safely Grant Program helps eligible governments strengthen implementation and enforcement of these standards.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The initiative focuses on improving pool and spa safety through prevention, education, and enforcement.
Core Objectives Include:
- Preventing child drowning incidents
- Reducing drain entrapment risks
- Improving compliance with federal pool safety laws
- Increasing public awareness of water safety
- Strengthening local enforcement systems
- Enhancing community safety standards
- Supporting safer recreational water environments
Key Focus Areas
Drowning Prevention Education
Projects may include:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Community education programmes
- Water safety workshops
- Educational materials for parents and caregivers
- School-based safety initiatives
Pool and Spa Safety Enforcement
Funding may support:
- Inspections
- Enforcement activities
- Regulatory compliance programmes
- Local safety monitoring systems
Compliance with the VGB Act
Projects should help ensure adherence to:
- Federal pool safety standards
- Drain cover requirements
- Anti-entrapment protections
- Public pool compliance regulations
Community Pool Safety Improvements
Initiatives may strengthen safety practices in:
- Public swimming pools
- Community pools
- Recreational facilities
- Spa environments
Why the Programme Matters
Child Drowning Prevention
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children. The programme supports proactive prevention strategies to reduce these risks.
Improved Public Safety
The initiative helps communities create safer swimming environments through stronger education and enforcement systems.
Prevention of Drain Entrapment Incidents
Unsafe drains can cause serious injuries and fatalities. The programme supports implementation of protective safety systems required under federal law.
Strengthened Local Safety Capacity
Funding helps state and local governments improve inspection systems, public outreach, and regulatory enforcement.
Funding Available
Total Funding Allocation
The estimated total funding available is:
- $4,000,000
Individual Award Amounts
Grants may range from:
- Minimum: $50,000
- Maximum: $400,000
Award size may depend on:
- Project scope
- Geographic coverage
- Community needs
- Proposed activities
- Eligibility considerations
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to several categories of governmental and tribal entities.
Eligible Applicants Include:
- State governments
- County governments
- City governments
- Township governments
- Special district governments
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Native American tribal organisations
Role of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) administers the programme and retains full discretion regarding applicant eligibility and award decisions.
The Commission oversees:
- Grant administration
- Application review
- Funding decisions
- Compliance oversight
- Programme implementation guidance
Types of Activities That May Be Funded
Education and Awareness Activities
Projects may support:
- Pool safety campaigns
- Child supervision education
- Water safety messaging
- Public outreach materials
- Community engagement initiatives
Enforcement and Inspection Activities
Funding may assist with:
- Pool inspections
- Safety compliance checks
- Enforcement staffing
- Regulatory monitoring systems
Safety Equipment and Standards Support
Projects may improve:
- Drain safety compliance
- Safety signage
- Public pool safety procedures
- Operational safety systems
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to contribute to:
- Reduced drowning incidents
- Increased public awareness
- Better safety law compliance
- Improved enforcement systems
- Safer public swimming environments
- Stronger community safety culture
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Programme Requirements
Carefully review eligibility criteria and programme objectives under the Pool Safely Grant Program.
Step 2: Identify a Safety Need
Define a project addressing issues such as:
- Drowning prevention
- Pool safety education
- Regulatory enforcement
- Safety compliance improvements
Step 3: Develop a Project Plan
Prepare a proposal outlining:
- Project goals
- Target communities
- Activities and implementation methods
- Expected outcomes
- Budget and timeline
Step 4: Demonstrate Community Impact
Explain how the project will improve safety and reduce risks for children and communities.
Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documentation
Include all required government or organisational documentation and compliance information.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete the official application submission process before the programme deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on measurable safety outcomes
- Demonstrate clear community need
- Include strong public education strategies
- Show enforcement or compliance capacity
- Provide realistic budgets and timelines
- Highlight partnerships with community organisations
- Use evidence-based drowning prevention approaches
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak project impact explanations
- Incomplete safety strategies
- Unrealistic budgets
- Limited enforcement planning
- Poor community outreach approaches
- Lack of measurable outcomes
- Incomplete application documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Pool Safely Grant Program?
It is a federal grant programme supporting efforts to prevent child drowning and drain entrapment incidents in pools and spas.
Who administers the programme?
The programme is administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
How much funding is available?
The programme has an estimated total funding allocation of $4,000,000.
What is the grant size range?
Individual grants range from $50,000 to $400,000.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and tribal governments, along with certain tribal organisations.
What types of projects are supported?
The programme supports drowning prevention education, safety awareness campaigns, pool safety enforcement, and compliance activities related to the VGB Act.
What is the purpose of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act?
The law establishes federal safety standards aimed at preventing drowning and suction entrapment incidents in pools and spas.
Final Thoughts
The Pool Safely Grant Program 2026 provides critical funding for governments and tribal entities working to reduce child drowning risks and improve pool and spa safety across communities.
By supporting education, enforcement, compliance monitoring, and public awareness efforts, the programme helps strengthen water safety systems and protect children and families from preventable injuries and fatalities.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.