Warm weather and time at the pool offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation — but for responsibly armed Americans, they also bring unique challenges. Moisture, sunscreen, chlorine and the unpredictability of an active environment all raise concerns for those practicing concealed carry.

Whether managing family activities or simply staying situationally aware, carrying a defensive firearm around water requires planning, vigilance and care — before, during and after your outing.

Choosing the Best Concealed Carry Method for the Pool

Swimwear and lightweight summer clothing often make traditional holster configurations difficult. In these cases, off-body concealed carry becomes a practical option. Firearms can be secured in dedicated compartments within bags designed for discretion and rapid access.

However, this method carries added responsibility. The firearm must be:

  • Secured in a holster that fully covers the trigger guard
  • Positioned consistently for safe, predictable access
  • Under the physical control of a responsible adult at all times

Any off-body method requires vigilance and a dedicated, secure compartment to prevent unauthorized access.

If attire permits, bellybands or lightweight on-body options designed for warm-weather carry may offer more control and retention. For more ideas on holster styles and carry strategies that work with summer clothing, check out how to concealed carry in the summer.

Off-Body Carry at the Pool: Securing Your Firearm Around Kids

Pools are dynamic, crowded and often family-filled environments — which makes them one of the most challenging places to carry a firearm responsibly, especially when using off-body concealed carry.

Leaving a bag unattended — even briefly to help a child, grab a drink or join a conversation — can result in a firearm falling into the wrong hands. Children may reach into a tote looking for goggles or snacks. Friends or family might move your gear without realizing what’s inside. Even a stranger could grab the wrong bag, mistaking it for their own.

Any time a firearm is separated from your body or placed somewhere you’re not actively monitoring, the danger increases significantly.

To maintain control and ensure safety in family-oriented spaces:

  • Keep your carry bag on your body or within immediate reach at all times
  • Use a dedicated, secured compartment with a holster that fully covers the trigger
  • Never allow others — even well-meaning family or friends — to handle, open or carry your bag
  • Communicate clearly with children and companions about bag boundaries
  • Avoid mixing the firearm with towels, toys, sunscreen or snacks
  • Treat the carry bag like the firearm itself — off-limits, locked down and never out of sight

Best Concealed Carry Bags for the Pool

For those who opt for off-body carry, choose a bag designed specifically for firearms. One well-known example is the Beth Crossbody Tote by Hiding Hilda — a machine-washable, American-made tote that features ambidextrous, zippered access to a dedicated holster compartment, separate from everyday essentials. Its adjustable crossbody strap allows for secure, hands-free carry, making it ideal for active settings like the pool.

While this model is designed with women in mind, there are comparable off-body carry bags for men as well. For example, the Prepared Citizen Classic by Maxpedition resembles an ordinary school backpack but includes a padded, ambidextrous concealed carry compartment with quick-pull zippers. Vertx and 5.11 offer bags and packs that are examples of low-profile, crossbody and waist pack options that provide discreet access and secure firearms storage in dynamic environments such as pools, parks or trails.

The safest system is one where the gun is either on your person or inside a bag that no one else touches. That level of control must become second nature. A single moment of inattention — especially around children — can have irreversible consequences.

How to Train for Summer Concealed Carry Setups

Many concealed carriers rotate between carry methods depending on the day’s attire or activity. While this flexibility can be helpful, it introduces new variables — particularly regarding access, retention and drawstroke mechanics.

Poolside environments present a unique challenge. You’ll likely transition between sitting, standing, walking, crouching and reaching frequently. If your firearm or carry method isn’t tested through these motions, you may discover too late that it’s shifting, printing or even becoming inaccessible.

Practice your draw while:

  • Seated on low chairs or towels
  • Standing with wet hands
  • Reaching across a table or lounge chair
  • Carrying children or pool gear in your other hand

Don’t just test your draw in ideal conditions. Rehearse real-world scenarios you’re likely to encounter at the pool. That includes momentary slips, uneven ground, and the awkward postures that come with chasing a wet toddler or managing multiple bags. These moments will test your gear and your readiness far more than a trip to the range.

Concealed Carry Trade-Offs: Comfort vs. Accessibility at the Pool

Poolside carry often involves compromises. Concealment in minimal clothing or carrying in a bag might seem more comfortable — but if that comfort interferes with draw speed or access, it’s a serious liability.

Some carry setups:

  • Are deeply buried in bags under floaties or sunscreen
  • Shift out of position in soft waistbands or loose garments
  • Require multiple layers to be lifted or adjusted for access

Evaluate your method by asking:

  • Can I reach the firearm immediately, even while seated?
  • Does the carry method stay in place during normal activity?
  • Is it still secure when wet?
  • Smaller, lighter firearms may improve both concealment and comfort during hot weather. For gun recommendations that suit summer carry, see best concealed carry guns for summer.

Choose gear that prioritizes access and retention, especially when comfort tempts you to compromise.

Protecting Your Firearm from Water, Sweat and Sunscreen

Heat and water pose serious threats to firearms function and longevity. Even without direct submersion, prolonged exposure to sweat, sunscreen and pool water can lead to internal corrosion, damage to finishes and compromised reliability.

Common threats include:

  • Sunscreen, which can leave oily residue on holsters, magazines and metal components
  • Chlorine, a harsh chemical that accelerates rust and pitting on steel and aluminum
    Sweat and humidity, which introduce moisture into tight, hidden crevices

To reduce exposure:

  • Avoid placing the firearm directly in the splash zone
  • Store it in a moisture-resistant compartment or protective pouch
  • Apply a protective lubricant before the outing to help repel moisture and chemicals

Even seemingly small exposures — like a damp towel or residue from poolside surfaces — can lead to long-term damage if not addressed quickly and thoroughly.

Post-Pool Gun Cleaning: Preventing Rust and Corrosion

After a day by the pool, clean and inspect the firearm immediately — even if it didn’t get visibly wet. Moisture and chemical exposure can linger in hard-to-see areas and begin causing corrosion within hours.

Essential post-pool steps:

  • Disassemble the firearm per manufacturer instructions
  • Dry all parts thoroughly with a soft cloth, compressed air or low-heat dryer
  • If needed, wash components with mild soapy water to remove chlorine or sunscreen
  • Apply a rust-preventive lubricant to all metal surfaces
  • Let components air dry completely before reassembly
  • Pay close attention to areas where different metals meet — such as aluminum frames and steel slides — as these junctions are especially prone to galvanic corrosion. Remove and inspect grip panels, particularly wood or porous rubber, to prevent moisture from becoming trapped underneath.

Neglecting this care can permanently affect function and finish. Once corrosion sets in beneath the surface or inside the action, even a quick rinse won’t reverse it. Routine care isn’t just about cosmetics — it’s about performance and reliability when it matters most.

Final Tips for Concealed Carry Safety at the Pool

Concealed carry at the pool is entirely possible — but it demands more thought, more responsibility and more preparation. While comfort and discretion matter, they must never override control, safety and accessibility.

By selecting the right carry method, maintaining physical control of your firearm, and staying vigilant about moisture exposure and maintenance, responsible gun owners can enjoy a day of sun, fun, water and guns while remaining protected and prepared.

Responsible Carry in Every Environment
Want to gain more confidence with your concealed carry setup — no matter the season or setting? The USCCA’s concealed carry classes can help you build the skills and mindset you need to carry responsibly, adapt to your environment and stay prepared in everyday life.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are concealed carry options for the pool?
When traditional on-body holsters won’t work with swimwear, off-body concealed carry becomes a practical alternative. Purpose-built bags — like crossbody totes or low-profile backpacks — with secure, dedicated holster compartments allow for discreet storage. These must remain under your control at all times and should never be mixed with personal items like snacks or toys.

How do you concealed carry when swimming?
Swimming with a firearm on your body is generally not recommended due to safety and water damage concerns. Instead, many gun owners keep their firearm nearby in a waterproof, secure off-body carry bag that remains within reach and outside the splash zone. The key is maintaining direct control and accessibility without exposing the firearm to moisture.

Is it OK for guns to get wet?
No. Chlorine, sweat and sunscreen can damage your firearm — even without full submersion. These elements accelerate rust, corrosion and internal fouling. If your gun is exposed to moisture, it must be disassembled, cleaned, dried and lubricated immediately to preserve function and reliability.

This article is a compilation of previous blog posts and CCM articles authored by Beth Alcazar, Ed Combs, Kevin Michalowski, Brad Lewis, Bob Campbell and Trent Marsh.