Kids And Pool Safety

All the family enjoy playing in the pool, but for some, especially kids, the hazards can be fatal. Each year in the UK, around 40 children aged 14 and under die as a result of accidental drowning. If you are a pool owner, the onus is on you to adopt multiple safety measures to prevent accidents. Please read and act on the following safety advice for your swimming pool.

The single most important rule is that children should always be under close supervision around water. Even if your child is a strong swimmer, they should never be left unsupervised. Adequate supervision means that a responsible adult, preferably with First Aid training is available to give un-distracted attention to the pool and its users.

If access to the pool is not controlled, then it is quite possible that kids can enter the pool on their own without supervision. This is just as applicable to teenagers as it is to toddlers who don't know what they are doing. Without restricted access toddlers could just wander into a dangerous situation, whilst teenagers could use the pool at any times. A range of safety products are available to prevent unsupervised access to the pool. A fence surrounding the entire perimeter of the pool is essential, and in many countries, although not yet the UK, is compulsory. A pool safety fence should be at least four feet high with a self closing and self latching gate that is lockable and not possible for children to open. Use gates with locks and alarms to keep children out when adults are not present.

Some pools have telescopic glass enclosures which have a door that can be locked. The sliding sections need to be locked to prevent access to the pool.

Safety covers are another option. Safety covers are manufactured from a heavy duty pvc, which can take the weight of a child, but is secured at the sides to prevent access underneath the edges. Standard winter debris covers or solar covers are not sufficient for this purpose.

It is possible to buy a pool alarm. Usually these sit on a solar cover or float on the surface of the pool water. They are triggered by excessive movement, so if someone fell into the pool whilst the alarm is on, it will be activated. However, there is a downside to these alarms, as people are often lulled into a false sense of security. These alarms should be a last resort safety measure, not the first.

Before you allow children to use the pool you should set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities. For example, children who are not good swimmers should be told not to go deeper than their chest height. Children should be made aware of the dangers of rough and boisterous play, and taught to respect the hazards of water. Diving should not be allowed at any times, and rough dunking play should be banned too.

Lastly, have a plan for what to do in an emergency. Keep a phone nearby so you can call for help. It is essential to have some First Aid experience, preferably with CPR. Hopefully you will never need to use it, but this is something that can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.


------

To see a full range of pool equipment, including solar covers and pool covers please see the website of specialist supplier poolwarehouseuk.com