While it’s easy to primarily focus on pool safety during the summer when the sun is shining and kids are playing around the pool, pool safety should be a priority year-round. No matter the season, swimming pool safety is not just about keeping a watchful eye when the temperature rises; it’s about fostering good habits and creating a safe environment for your family.
SPASA’s Backyard Lifeguard campaign serves as a reminder that pool safety should be a priority throughout the year. To keep your kids safe around the pool, it’s essential to adhere to a few simple yet effective pool safety rules.
Key Pool Safety Practices for Every Season
Closely Supervise Kids at All Times
Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a chilly winter morning, you should always keep a close watch on your children when they’re near the pool. Pool safety for preschoolers is particularly important, as toddlers are naturally curious and may attempt to access the pool area when unsupervised. Keeping an eye on your children ensures they are safe and you can quickly respond if necessary.Learn How to Resuscitate
Knowing how to perform CPR is a critical life skill for every pool owner. It can make a world of difference in an emergency. Be sure to take a CPR course and renew your qualifications regularly. Additionally, in Victoria, pool owners must display a CPR sign near the pool, attached to the safety barrier or in a prominent location. It must be easily visible and in good condition, made of durable, weather-resistant material and at least 300mm x 300mm in size.
Check Pool Barriers for Safety Compliance
One of the most important steps in pool safety is ensuring that your pool barriers meet current safety standards. These regulations are designed to prevent young children from gaining access to the pool area. Always check your safety pool barriers to ensure they are strong, tall, and functional, ensuring your pool is as safe as possible, no matter the season.Keep Barriers Clear of Climbable Objects
Pool safety rules stress the importance of ensuring your pool barriers are free of objects or plants that could help a child climb over or under the fence. This is especially important for families with toddlers or preschoolers who may find ways to scale barriers if they can use furniture, trees or other structures nearby.Teach Kids to Swim and Be Safe Around Pools
It’s essential to teach your children to swim and educate them on the safety rules for a pool early on. Knowing how to navigate the pool safely not only builds confidence but also teaches your child how to behave around water. TinyHearts First Aid recommends teaching small children to give a hi-five to an adult before entering any type of water. This is a great initiative to ensure any children near the water make adults aware when they are swimming.Ensure Pool Gate Is Always Shut
An often-overlooked aspect of swimming pool safety is ensuring that the pool gate is always closed and latched. A malfunctioning gate that is not self-closing, or one left open, could pose a serious risk to toddlers and children who might wander into the pool area unsupervised. Make it a habit to check your pool gate regularly to ensure it functions properly and ensure you’re staying up to date with your compliance certificate which needs to be recertified every three years. For everyone’s safety, pool gates shouldn’t ever be propped open. This simple thing helps keep your loved ones safe around the water—no matter how inconvenient it may seem.
