All Inspiring Pools By Warren Hearn

Please select the topic you would like to know more about.

»	Swimming Pool Drowning	»	Swimming Pool Safety	»	Supervising Children In And Around A Pool
»	In Case Of Emergency	»	Kids Safety

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Swimming Pool Drowning

Drowning is the greatest cause of accidental death in children under five in Australia. In 1988 Queensland lead the world per capital with drowning in the 0-5 age group.

One Queensland Government department report stated that in Queensland alone from 1992 to 2001 (a 9 year period) there were 73 deaths, 14 times that number went to hospital, and 10 times that number were near misses! This equates to 10,293 immersion incidents.

A 'KEEP WATCH' report states that for the 2004 year, there were 18 toddlers drowned in Australia in swimming pools. Based on the above calculation, this equates to over 2,500 incidents in one year.

Progress has been made, legislation for mandatory fencing of all swimming pools has reduced the number of drowning incidents - but they are STILL happening. The latest statistics are now showing that the fencing is generally effective, but the GATE is the weakness. Also (Queensland Government department report) states that 46% of the immersion incidences are due to gate failure, either left or propped open or due to lack of gate maintenance!

T Back To Top

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Swimming Pool Safety

» Learn CPR

» Teach children to float or swim as soon as possible.

» Always provide competent adult supervision when the pool is in use.

» Even adults should never swim alone.

» Caution children against showing off and playing rough and explain the dangers of running and diving recklessly.

» Never push others into the pool.

» When using water slides, always go feet first.

» Before diving or sliding, check to be sure that other swimmers are out of the way.

» Keep rescue devices and first aid supplies near the pool.

» Teach children what to do in case of emergency.

» Keep electrical appliances such as radios out of the pool area because of the hazard of electrical shock.

» Never swim after drinking alcoholic beverages, eating or taking medications.

» Don't leave toys in the water: Toys could lure a child back when a parent is not present.
» There should be a fence at least six feet high around all sides of the pool with a locked gate to keep children out when there is no supervision and the fence should be constructed so it is difficult to climb. Garden furniture, trees and shrubs should not be close enough to provide an easy boost over the fence.

T Back To Top

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Supervising Children In And Around A Pool

All caretakers of children: parents, grandparents, baby-sitters, older siblings, etc., must be instructed to watch children constantly. Children are naturally curious and must be supervised at all times when in and around all bodies of water, including pools and spas. Drowning is a silent accident; rarely is there a cry for help or a splash, yet it is preventable. Never take your eyes off a child when he/she is in or near any body of water, even for a second.

At no time should you leave your child unattended in or around any water environment (pool, stream, tub, toilet, bucket of water), no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water.

Don't rely on substitutes: The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

Encourage safe practices: Don't assume young children will use good judgment and caution around the water. Children must be constantly reminded to walk slowly in the pool area and only to enter the water with you.

T Back To Top

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Case Of Emergency

Remember CHECK-CALL-CARE: If you come upon a person in an emergency, CHECK the scene to ensure it's safe and CHECK the victim, CALL 000 and request an ambulance, CARE for the person until help arrives.

» Take a CPR and first aid class.
» Keep a phone by the pool.

T Back To Top

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kids Safety

Why Is It Important to Be Safe in the Water?:
People drown when too much water gets into their lungs. When that happens, the lungs can't carry enough oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body. Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Drowning can happen fast – sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person's head goes under the water. That leaves very little time for someone to help. Many drownings and near drownings occur when a child accidentally falls into a swimming pool. But accidents can happen anywhere – at someone's home or even at your own house, and that's why you need to know how to be safe around water.

Swimming Pools:
Never dive off the side of the pool unless an adult says that the water is deep enough. The water may be shallower than you think. If you hit the bottom you might get knocked out or you could hurt your neck very badly. Test the pool's water temperature before you plunge in. Cold water can shock your body and make your blood pressure and heart rate go up. You might accidentally open your mouth to yell and accidentally breathe in some water. Cold water can also slow your muscles, making it hard to swim.

Here's some other good advice for the pool:
» Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool – even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is not an adult around.
» Gates are around pools for a reason – to keep kids away from the water when there isn't a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
» Swim with a buddy.
» Walk slowly in the pool area. Don't run.
» Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
» Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, they can't save a life. These toys can lose air or float away.
» Don't chew gum or eat while you swim – you could choke.

Here are some other good water safety tips:
» Learn to swim. Ask your parents to contact a swim school or attend the swimming classes at your school.
» Always apply plenty of sunscreen before you go outside spf 30 is best. It's also a good idea to wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
» Stop swimming as soon as you see or hear a storm. Remember, lightning is electricity – electricity and water are a dangerous combination.
» Don't swim in the dark.

T Back To Top