The number of children drowning in swimming pools now stands at six compared to one last year. But Fire officials stress that if you have a swimming pool you should have a barricade. They say it's a good investment and it could save the life of your child.

Lupe Herrera had a four-foot tall fence installed around her swimming pool this year. But she said even with the fence she still doesn't feel safe, especially after hearing about the latest drowning death.

"The fence helps because you feel a little more secure, but I have a 2-year-old granddaughter and the doors always have to locked, she cannot come out," said Herrera.

As KFOX reported, a 4-year-old girl died late on Tuesday after drowning in a backyard pool in the Eastside. It has not been determined how long she was in the water. CPR was performed but she died at an area hospital.

"We hope that this message that they're getting through to the media is a major emergency here in El Paso. We have six deaths already involving young children. Our concerns is saving the lives and protecting our children," said Lt. Mario Hernandez with the El Paso Fire Department.

Last year the city approved regulations for any new construction on swimming pools.

The following was published by the city of El Paso:

Because they are attractive to young children and are considered a special hazard, added safety measures are required locally for in-ground and above-ground pools, spas and hot tubs. The International Building Code states that any pool with more than 24 inches of water must have a four-foot fence or other barrier around it. In keeping with this national standard, a permit is required for the installation of all pools, spas and hot tubs over 24" or 2 feet in depth and with a water capacity of over 5,000 gallons.

Small, inflatable pools meeting these criteria must also be protected. Additionally of note, new requirements must also be met as necessary precautionary safety measures before a new residential pool, spa or hot tub can be installed, as of September 1, 2008. (18.10.310 Appendix G)

As an overview, a barrier or fence and entrapment avoidance devices are required for the installation of new swimming pools, spas and hot tubs and certain existing pools.

The following are the barrier options that are available to meet the necessary barrier or fencing requirements: Barrier Options: Where a wall surrounding a home serves as part of a required barrier or fence, one of the following conditions must also be met: 1. An appropriate alarm is provided. Doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door and/or its screen are opened. (AG105.2.9.1) OR 2. A self closing door with self-latching devices can be used as another type of protection. (AG105.2.9.2)

Additionally, other alternatives to using a dwelling or “perimeter” home wall as part of a barrier include an acceptable: 1. Pool Cover (AG105.2.9.3) OR 2. Isolation Barrier (AG105.2.9.4)

It is also important to note that entrapment devices providing protection for swimming pool and spa suction outlets are also required as part of the Ordinance currently in effect. Zoning requirements, electrical clearances and utility easements must be also addressed. Existing Pools: Effective September 1, 2009 existing swimming pools will also need to meet the requirements of the new Ordinance if they meet one of the following conditions: • There is a sale of residence that has a swimming pool at the time of the sale. (AG105.6.1) • There is a change of use or character to the primary building occupancy on the property (AG105.6.2) • A new pool ,spa, hot tub is installed or alterations are made for which a building permit is required (AG105.6.3)

Taken together, these design controls are intended to provide protection against potential drowning and near-drowning accidents by restricting access to swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. However, preventive layers of protection are always highly recommended. The close supervision of children and preparedness in case of an emergency are among the essential steps to remember. Some additional pool safety tips to consider include: o Installing a non-slip material around the pool o Placing rescue and first aid equipment nearby o Keeping electrical appliances, such as radios, away from the swimming pool to avoid exposure to electrical shock o Removing floating toys when left unattended or not in use o Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

To view these “Safety Tools for Pools” and the complete residential swimming pool ordinance for the City of El Paso, please visit http://www.elpasotexas.gov/