Pool Alert - pool alarms, pool hazards and safety tips, South Africa

Always remember that nothing can ever replace proper adult supervision.
Many children under the age of 5 drown each year in South Africa, and many more come close to drowning, often leaving them partially or permanently damaged. A large percentage of these incidents happen in domestic swimming pools. Although municipalities have enacted safety regulations governing residential swimming pools around the country, it is not policed and the onus falls on parents to comply with these regulations. Laws are however not sufficient and parents are advised to take as many precautions as possible to ensure the safety of their children. We have outlined some of these below.

Often we assume that everyone knows as much as we do or is as aware as we are. When it comes to child-care, this could be a fatal assumption to make. Instruct your child minder or babysitter about the potential hazards of pools to young children. Advise them about protective devices, such as pool alarms, pool nets and safety gates, emphasizing the importance of constant supervision.

Always have a designated adult appointed to watch over young children while socialising at or near any body of water. An effective way to do this is for adults to take it in turns to actively watch the youngsters.

Never allow a young child in the pool without an adult, regardless of how confident you may feel. Similarly, don't allow a young child to play in the vicinity of an accessible swimming pool or spa.

Don't think your child is drown-proof just because they are having swimming lessons. The element of surprise or something as unexpected as a cramp could undermine all the training you have diligently afforded your child.

Do not use flotation devices, nets, fences or any other safety device as a substitute for caution and supervision.

Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This is advisable for babysitters and child minders as well, including anyone who may be responsible for the well-being of the child, such as grandparents and older siblings.

Keep a list of emergency numbers close to the phone and make sure that everyone in the household knows how to access help in any emergency situation.

Don't leave toys or other enticing items around or in the pool. Balls, lilos, toys and colourful objects can all prove to be too alluring to a young child.

If at any time you cannot find your child, check the pool or spa first. Mere seconds can make the difference between life and death or disability.

If your pool is unprotected make sure all doors leading to the pool area are locked to prevent young children from getting to the pool without supervision.

Fences should be according to municipal regulations, surrounding the entire pool, with a self closing latch that is out of the reach of small children.

If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when the door is opened unexpectedly.

In addition to all other precautions, a pool net or cover can be put over the pool when the pool is not in use.

Finally, for maximum peace of mind, a pool alarm can be used, either in conjunction with other safety devices, or on its own. One of the most frequent preventions of fatalities is quick reaction time and no other device gives you the time advantage afforded by a reliable pool alarm.

Spas, Hot Tubs and Whirlpools also need to be protected to prevent possible drowning

Always use a locked safety cover on the spa when it is not in use.

Do not let young children use spas or hot tubs without adult supervision.

Long hair places children at greater risk because of hair being caught in the drain. Have children cover their heads and make sure the spa has a drain cover. Both of these precautions will go a long way to minimizing the risk of drowning.

Make sure that everyone in the household, including baby-sitters and child-minders, know where the cut-off switch for the spa is so that it can be turned off quickly in an emergency.

Keep the temperature of the water to 40 Degrees Centegrade (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or below If a locked cover is not available, a pool alarm can be used when the spa, hot tub or whirlpool are not in use.

Always remember, nothing can ever replace proper adult supervision.