Swimming Pool Safety

Do you know that the second leading cause of unintentional injury related deaths amongst children aged 14 years and under is drowning? Do you know that each year, approximately 1200 children under 14 drown and nearly half of them are preschoolers? Nearly 50% of these drowning episodes occur in residential pools under the 'watchful eye' of their parents.

The point to be stressed here is that, drowning can happen in a matter of seconds, there is hardly any warning, any splashing or cry for help. It is a silent death. By the time you attend a phone, a child could have drowned. A swimming pool safety cover can be crucial safety equipment for your private pool. Consider swimming pool safety equipment like swimming pool fence and swimming pool safety net.

Swimming pool safety

While there is no substitute for adult supervision, safeguards and barriers around pools provide additional protection for children. In fact, experts advise on installing 'layers of protection', that is, various protection devices at various levels in order to minimize drowning accidents. While these measures do not replace supervision, they can prevent children's access to the pool. Each layer acts as a barrier, providing additional time to locate a child before the unexpected becomes the reality. Do not ever assume that these barriers are child proof. Don't let these barriers lull you into a false sense of security.

Water, with its shimmering, rippling appeal is a magnet for children. Most children under 5 have no fear of water as they associate water with play and fun, not danger. Hence, it is essential that parents teach the child to be responsible near any water body.

• Children should not run around a swimming pool or horseplay around it. They should not push other kids into the water. What may seem to be harmless fun can result in fatal consequences. Encourage safe practices.
  
  
• Never leave any toys in or around a pool. Children may come to the pool looking for their toys and accidents may occur.
  
  
• Never rely on inflatable toys to protect your child. Only approved personal flotation devices should be kept near the pool. Do remember that even they are not drown proof.
  
  
• Never allow young children to remain alone in or around the pool even for a moment.
  
  
• Babysitters, guardians, older siblings, should be instructed about the potential hazards of the pool.
  
  
• All pool owners and users should learn and practice CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
  
  
• Clearly identify the deep end of your pool.
  
  
• Never go swimming during thunderstorms.
  
  
• Use of a swimming pool fence is a good idea.
  
  
• Do not jump or dive into shallow water.
  
  
• Know your swimming limits and stay within them.
  
  
• Do not dispense chemicals when the pool is being used as it may cause poisoning or skin irritations.
  

Swimming pool safety cover

Pool safety covers work as excellent safety devices when the pool is not being used. Automatic power operated is the safest and easiest to use. A swimming pool safety cover helps conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water required as well as chemicals needed. It reduces the cleaning time by keeping the swimming pool free of dirt and debris.

A swimming pool safety cover reduces heating costs by utilizing solar gains. These pool covers can range from vinyl sheets with UV inhibitors to automatic pool covers. You can also consider swimming pool covers that fit into tracks along the sides of the pools. Motor-driven automatic pool covers roll and unroll to cover the swimming pool.

Swimming pool safety net

Installing a safety net in your swimming pool can prevent little kids from entering the pool unseen by you. Such swimming pool safety nets can be installed in minutes. The net's mesh size should be small enough to prevent a toddlers head and body from penetrating the net while simultaneously large enough to prevent movement.

The net should also not shrink or deteriorate when subjected to harsh climatic conditions. This safety equipment for swimming pools allows a clear view of the bottom of the pool and serves as an aesthetic safety device. Pool nets are ideal for small pools. They can be easily removed and stored away.

Swimming pool safety tips

• Install a fence or barrier completely around the pool.
  
  
• Alarms must be installed on all doors and windows leading to the water. Underwater pool alarm or flotation alarm can also be installed. These alarms will signal if someone accidentally falls into the water. The alarm should be heard inside the house as well as adjoining areas.
  
  
• Adequate lighting should be provided so that the pool, any safety signs, deck surfaces, etc are all clearly visible during nighttime.
  
  
• While climbing pool ladders, face the ladder irrespective of whether you are coming down or going up. At a given time only one person should be allowed to use the ladder. Avoid dangerous games by the pool side.
  

A swimming pool can be a fun-filled and entertaining addition to your home but ensure adequate levels of safety.