Children and swimming pools

Children and swimming pools hit the headlines big time every Summer in South Africa. Each year children under 5 drown in residential swimming pools, while many near-drowning survivors are treated in hospital for severe and permanent neurological disabilities as a result. Children and swimming pools needn't be a nightmare combination with the right layers of protection in place. Accidents involving water and drowning can occur with any age group though; it's just that it is more common with toddlers.

Owners are going to be required to enclose their pools with a fence or a wall in accordance with the National Building Regulations standard. Council officials may at any reasonable time enter any premises to carry out an inspection to see if the provisions of the by-laws are complied with!

Barriers aren't childproof, but they provide layers of protection for children and swimming pools; giving parents additional time to locate the child. These barriers include swimming pool fencing, pool alarms and pool safety covers.

Pool fencing comes in many styles to compliment pool decor, but bear in mind that they should be designed to prevent easy access for children. The fence  shouldn't have any foot-holds that could help a young child to climb it, and the vertical bars should be appropriately spaced to prevent a child squeezing through. Fence gates should open outward from the pool and be self-closing and self- latching.  For above-ground pools, steps and ladders should be  removed when the pool is not in use.

Even if children have learnt to swim, there are still dangers involved. When there are children and swimming pools, constant and vigilant supervision is the first line of defense against pool danger. Teach you children about safe water habits, such as not running around the swimming pool area or pushing others in.

Swimming is awesome fun for children, but without pool safety equipment and rules of safety in place, your children  are vulnerable to a drowning.

Children and swimming pools
Pool Safety requirements

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