One of the favourite summer activities for young children is swimming. However, it can also be a dangerous activity if the proper precautions are not taken. Setting up pool fences and pool alarms (if you have a backyard pool) as well as setting up pool rules are just some of the ways you can make swimming safe for your kids. Here are some tips about swimming pool safety for your children:
Pool Fences
The first and most important aspect of pool safety is to limit access to the pool with a fence. This prevents small children from entering the water unsupervised. Even if your children are good swimmers, they shouldn’t be left in the pool by themselves because accidents can happen very quickly.
- Ensure fences are a minimum of 4 foot high and are completely unclimbable.
- Remove anything from the backyard that could be used to help a child climb the fence.
- Remove any trees or bushes that may be used to gain entry.
- Keep the gate well-maintained and ensure the spring functions, so it locks when gate is released.
You should look for other means of keeping your pool safe when you are not around including automatic pool covers and pool alarms. There are alarms available that detect motion under the water and wrist bands that trigger an alarm when they get wet.
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Pool Rules
It is crucial to have a set of well-defined pool rules and enforce them. Young children need to understand that if they wish to enjoy the pool, rules must be followed. Some basic rules should include:
- No running around the pool
- Diving is only allowed in the deep end
- No wrestling or holding other children under water while in the pool
- Toys are to be removed from the pool when not in use
- No electrical appliances should be used near the pool
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons lessen the chances that a child may drown. Start swimming lessons as soon as possible, but always remember that supervision is essential for young children, even if they are good swimmers.
Be Vigilant
It is important to understand that most drowning occurs even while one or both parents were supervising their children. An estimated 69% of accidents occurred with parents nearby and 65% of drowning occur in a pool owned by the family. All it takes is for a parent to become distracted and within two or three minutes a young child could drown. Being vigilant about pool safety is extremely important!
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