Tips on How to Keep Your Kids Safe Around a pool

Having a swimming pool is fun for the entire family, but there are risks involved as well. Accidental drowning is one of the most common dangers associated with swimming pools. There are several precautions a homeowner can take to prevent children and even adults from being a victim. Here are some tips to prevent child drowning dangers.

Child Drowning Dangers and How to Prevent Them

Adequate Lighting

Inground pools should have adequate lighting both around the perimeter of the pool as well as along the walls inside it. This will clearly show where the edges of the pool are and help people to stay far enough way so as not to slip and fall in. Adding lights along the fence will illuminate the area so people can see what they are doing and avoid tripping over objects that may be in the way. It also allows others to see what is happening around the pool so they can take action quickly if someone falls in by accident.

Fences and Gates

Both inground and above ground pools must be surrounded by some type of fencing. This is the law in most states and is strictly adhered to. For above-ground pools, a fence surrounding the pool area is mandatory, it is also beneficial to raise the ladders that go into the pool when they are not in use. Because of their height, it may be difficult to see into an above ground pool from a distance. Always make sure there is no way for a child to access the pool. The ladders should be put up and the gates latched anytime a person leaves the pool area, even if it is only for a short period of time.

Inground pools that are enclosed by a high privacy fence are ideal for keeping out neighbourhood children and pets. Always keep all gates closed and latched to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the pool area without permission. The cement around an inground pool can become slippery when wet. Whenever guests are over, always advise them to walk, not run, around the edge of the pool.

Floatation Devices

Floatation devices such as kickboards, noodles, lifejackets and water wings should always be available for both children and adults. Never allow a child of any age into the pool without some sort of floatation device for protection. Small children should always wear an approved life vest. Never leave any child alone in the pool without supervision.

Life vests are available that are designed with straps that completely surround the child, making it more difficult to slip off. Make sure all buckles and straps are firmly attached and secured before letting a child get into the water. Always check the tags to ensure the right size vest is being used for the weight of the child.

Know Valuable Rescue Techniques

No matter how safe a person is, accidents can still happen. Before opening the pool for the summer, it’s a wise idea to take a water rescue course. These classes teach rescue breathing, CPR and valuable lifesaving manoeuvres that show pool owners how to pull a person from the water without endangering their life or that of the victim. A person who is struggling can be difficult to remove from the water, especially if they are afraid and fighting the rescuer. Knowing how to calm a victim and to hold them securely until they can be removed from the water is a valuable tool that can save lives. You can find more tips about child drowning dangers and how to prevent them at The Royal Life Saving Society.

Child Drowning Dangers and How to Prevent Them

This post has been written for Serenity You

7 Comments on Child Drowning Dangers and How to Prevent Them

  1. Great read can never be too careful
    These suggestions will CERTAINLY save unnecessary injury or worse still
    Thanks

  2. If you rent a villa and it does not have a fence round the pool, you must make sure that an adult is in the garden whenever the children are playing in the garden. A few years ago the children of a family we knew were playing in the garden in a tent. Somehow the tent with the children in it ended up in the pool and the children drowned. It shocked all of us who knew them as the children had been told not to go near the pool unsupervised but the accident still happened. If an adult had been in the garden they would have heard the children’s cries, but sadly the parents were indoors and did not realise until it was too late.

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