Pool Safety requirements

Drownings can be best prevented by adult supervision as well as water safety training for young children.  Every pool should have a safety net, alarms or a fence that conforms with standard Council pool safety requirements.  Swimming pools as well as hot tubs can pose a significant risk of serious injury, brain damage and even death, if proper safety measures are not followed … even a few minutes is considered a long time for the brain to be without oxygen.  By conforming to pool safety requirements and providing barriers between your child and the pool, you can avoid a tragic accident.

As a result of the escalation in downings last Summer, swimming pool by-laws have had to be reviewed:

• people building new swimming pools will have to submit their plans to the Council for approval, and if approved.a permit will be issued;
• those who already have a pool will be required to enclose their pools with a fence in accordance with the National Building Regulation Standard. This fencing should comply with SABS regulations and not be less than 1,2meters in height;
• the gate should have a self-closing and self-locking device;
• there should be no gaps, breaks or nearby climbing apparatus;
• the fence must be so positioned as to prevent the neighbouring children from slipping in, particularly when no-one is at home;
• pool safety requirements mean a pool cover as well as a pool alarm device for when the pool is not in use.

It is the responsibility of all pool owners to familiarize themselves with pool safety requirements for their particular area.

Even people who can swim can drown when they accidentally bump their head or have a seizure in the pool. Swimming lessons are useful, but certainly not a one-stop solution to preventing drownings. If your child can swim, it is still vitally important to have layers of safety in place.

At S.A. Pools we take the worry out of swimming pools and children. With our very effective safety equipment, you can begin to enjoy your pool knowing full welll that you have taken the right steps in preventing one of your children becoming another drowning statistic.

Children and swimming pools
Pool Safety requirements

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