Top Nine Swimming Pool Safety Tips To Help Prevent Drowning

Posted on 30 September 2015

Most people are under the misconception that their toddlers and children are safe in the kiddies pool. Pool safety tips more often take into consideration only regular swimming pools and don't create an awareness of the steps that should be taken to ensure kiddie pool safety.

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1. Understand Drowning Facts

Did you know that a child can drown in just a tablespoon of water? While the lower level of water in kiddies pools decreases the risk of drowning, it is essential for moms and dads to know that their child's head and body do not have to be immersed in the water for them to drown. The smallest dip of the head in water can result in the child swallowing or breathing in enough water to drown.

2. Pool Safety Education

Educate your children on swimming pool safety. Make sure that the rules and information that you give your children are age appropriate and that they understand what you are telling them. The most important rule that you can impress upon your kids is that they cannot go swimming alone. Children of all ages should be able to understand and follow this rule as well as be able to ask an adult before they go in the pool.

3. Splash Pool Safety

Parents are more likely to take into account child safety when they purchase a kiddies pool. However, the small pools are also a popular choice for people who don't have children and therefore do not take the necessary safety measures. If your children will be around a splash pool for any period of time, you need to be watchful and also discuss rules regarding the pool. You should also discuss pool safety with the owner of the pool especially if the kids will have constant access to the water.

4. Install A Swimming Pool Fence

This may seem a bit extreme but are you aware that most states have a legal requirement that pools of a specific size must be enclosed or fenced in. Kiddies pools do not meet the size requirement but this is definitely a good way to keep your children separated from the pool.

5. Drain The Pool

Kiddies pools hold a limited amount of water so they are quick and easy to fill when your little ones want to take a dip. Ensuring that the pool is empty when it is not in use is probably the best way to prevent any accidents from occurring.

6. Keep The Pool Area Safe

Most childhood drownings occur when a kid wants to retrieve a toy from the pool. Make sure that there are no toys in the pool or around the pool that could attract your child to the area.

7. Good Pool Hygiene

Splash pools and kiddies pools often don't require any chemicals to be added to the water to keep it clean and hygienic. They also don't have a filtration system. Stagnant or standing water is a breeding ground for all types of bacteria, algae, parasites or other germs that could be harmful to your health. You need to drain and refill the pool regularly or make sure that it is completely empty to avoid the risks associated with contaminated water.

8. Prevent Slipping

Purchase a pool that is made from slip-proof materials. Pool hygiene is also important in preventing slipping. Run your hand along the sides and bottom of the pool before letting your kids swim. If the surface is slippery to the touch, it means that algae has started to grow, increasing the risk of falling in the pool. Use bleach, safe detergents or a brush to clean the pool and rinse well before swimming.

9. Combination Pools

Your awareness of pool safety factors needs to increase if your children will be around a regular pool that has a kiddie pool attached. This is especially important if the combination pool contains a slide or water-fall that leads from one pool to the other.