Make sure that your swimming pool is safe

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 9

Make sure that your swimming pool is safe

Any pool owner will tell you, when their new pool is being planned and built, that their responsibility regarding avoiding death by drowning, particularly with young children, becomes a very real concern. Responsible pool builders are concerned that people should be educated about the dangers that exist for people near water generally, not just swimming pools. Experience has taught that pool ownership gives children, and many properly supervised neighbourhood children, the opportunity of learning to swim much sooner than they otherwise might have. This means that they are more competent when visiting other bathing areas. New pool owners become quickly aware of the value of adequately fencing their pools and protecting young children from going near the water when unsupervised. There are still lives lost by drowning but only a very small percentage of these have resulted from people falling into private swimming pools. The only lasting solution is responsible adult awareness of the dangers that exist. To assist, the following list of pool rules should be faithfully observed: , Teach your child to swim. (Even children under five are generally receptive and can at least be taught to find the side of the pool and clamber out). Do not keep an ornamental pool. Adequately fence your pool, whether it is

below or above ground. Make sure that existing fences are increased in size to 6ft and cannot be easily climbed. When not in use the pool area should be locked up and the key kept by the pool owner or another responsible adult. Non-swimrners should not be allowed to enter the pool unless accompanied by a proficient swimmer. Teach your family mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Make sure swimming aids are of an approved type of manufacture. Do not use a diving board unless the pool depth is a minimum of 7ft 6in. Walkways around the pool must be of a non slip surface. Strongly discourage running around the pool perimeter and “horseplay” both in and out of the water. Do not swim for at least half an hour after eating. Never swim alone, even if you are a good swimmer. Do not swim after drinking alcoholic beverages. Use unbreakable utensils at pool-side barbecues. Provide a safety rail or steps for entering or leaving the pool. Keep electrical appliances well away from pool surrounds. Even a small electric current can produce an electric field in the water of sufficient intensity to cause loss of muscular control,