Swimming pool safety
Swimming pools allow us to get together with friends and family and to share fun, fitness and relaxation. But they can also pose a risk. By following some basic guidelines, you can ensure the safe use of swimming pools and spas.
Supervise children at all times in and around the water. If you need to leave the pool or water area, even for just a moment, take your child with you.
Make sure your pool or spa has compliant barriers installed, complete with childproof locking. A swimming pool barrier is not a substitute for adult supervision.
Ensure that furniture, plants, trees and other items that can facilitate entry over the pool fence are not accessible.
Be aware that hair, body parts, and bathing suit strings and tassels can become entangled in an improperly covered pool drain or suction point.
Display a resuscitation chart on your pool fence.
Take a CPR course so you can act in an emergency if required.
Familiarise children with water and enrol them in learn-to-swim classes.
Make sure all pool users are warned against covering or sitting on drains and suction points. Doing so can cause injury or, in extreme cases, death.
Never put your head under water in a spa.
Empty paddling pools, baths, basins, sinks and troughs when not in use.
Drowning takes only a few seconds and is silent — don’t take your eyes off children when they are in and around water.
Most backyard pools are too shallow for diving. Place ‘no diving’ signs around the pool.
Be aware that poorly designed pools and spas can create an entrapment hazard. Enlist a professional to check your pool and spa to ensure safety. Replace any broken or missing suction covers and have anti-entrapment covers fitted if needed.
Ensure that spas have a ‘spa pool safety rules sign’ prominently displayed.