Owning your own swimming pool is a truly fantastic achievement and not one that many people can say they have realised! But even with all the advantages of owning a home pool, it comes with great responsibility to keep your swimming pool safe. Kids and pets put themselves at risk each time they enter the pool area and the numbers of deaths caused by home pools, especially for under 5, are still too high.
When we visit a public swimming pool we can rely on clearly displayed signage to provide us with instructions and information and companies like smartsign are experts in this field. But signs aren’t always self-explanatory for your younger ones. Which is why having a pool at home means a lot more responsibility and caution. Here you’ll find some tips on how to keep your pool area safe for your children – and any curious pets!
Install a fence
A really simple solution that could save lives! Installing a fence that is at least 1.5m high will ensure that your younger children won’t be able to get near the pool unsupervised. In addition, make sure that you check the fence regularly for damage and also ensure that the gate locks securely. Also, make sure that there are no objects that pets could use to climb over the fence to gain access!
Install a safety cover
Safety covers look like a giant green trampoline, but they a crucial when it comes to pool safety during the winter. These are usually taught so that if a child did gain access to the pool area, they could – in theory, simply walk across the pool and not ever come into contact with the water.
A non-slip surface
The pool is a slippery area. Water underfoot can make even the most attentive person slip and hurt themselves. Pets have also been known to skid and fall into the pool, and if they can’t swim there’s very little you can do. A good surface should stop slippage, including with bare feet. To complement your non-stick surface, implement a no-running rule around the poolside area. If someone is sprinting around the pool, it doesn’t matter how good your non-stick surface is.
Lifejackets and floatation devices
Young children should always have a lifejacket on in and around the pool. This will stop them from drowning if they accidentally fall in. Older children don’t need to wear lifejackets permanently, but you should always keep some sort of lifejacket or floatation device nearby in case of trouble. Kids who can’t swim, regardless of their ages, should always have a lifejacket on whilst in the perimeter of the fence. You could also invest in a lifesaver with a rope.
Increase adult supervision
The best alarm out there is adult eyes. Keeping a close eye on your loved ones while enjoying the swimming pool is your best bet. So, stay vigilant and take time to educate your children on the dangers of open water.
