Safety tips for around your pool
As parents, we understand the fear of letting your toddler or a small child run around the pool unattended, especially when there is no pool cover. However, children are curious creatures and they are attracted to water. They can sneak out to play alongside the pool, not knowing the dangers, while you might be stuck on a work call.
A scary statistic is that over 270 children, under the age of 5, drown each year in-home pools in South Africa.
Water safety is important to all ages, but there is a higher risk of accidental drowning for toddlers between the ages of one and four years.
Important tips to keep your young ones safe around the pool
Put up a fence around your pool, as this reduces the chance of drowning by 50%. Always keep the gates locked.
Pool or water features must have a safety cover fitted by a reputable supplier. Check the cover's fastenings regularly and replace as soon as they weather or break.
Get CPR training for all adults in the home, including domestic workers. Never hire a babysitter or au pair who cannot swim.
If a child is found in a pool, start CPR and do not stop before emergency services arrive. It can make the difference between a full recovery, brain damage or death.
If your child has suddenly gone quiet or wandered off, check the pool first. Even a minute can make a difference.
Never leave a child unattended near a pool. Do not take phone calls while children are swimming, even if you are near the pool.
Keep the pool topped up as it allows small arms to easily grab the edge if needed.
Discourage your dogs from swimming. Children and pets in a pool are not a good mix.
Even if you do not have children, it is still necessary to consider safety for visitors.
Remember that thermal pool covers and leaf nets are not a safe barrier for children.
How to invest in your pool safety
Pool fence - It is considered the easiest and safest way to secure the pool area as long as the gates remain locked.
Pool net - Look for a net with UV protection, that is easy to remove and refit (under 5min) and adheres to international safety standards. This way your net will last while providing a safe barrier.
Safety net - This product’s sole purpose is to keep children safe should they accidentally slip and fall into the pool. A strong ballast system in the center of the pool supports weights of well over 600kg.
Solid safety cover - Not only does a solid cover prevent drowning, but it also keeps leaves and debris out of your pool, protecting your pool equipment. A solid pool cover prevents water evaporation and minimizes chemical usage. Consider installing a roller cover to make removal and refitting a piece of cake.
Please share this with any of your friends and family that have pools.