Swimming Pool Safty Tips

Keeping your pool safe for those who swim in it should always be a prime concern. Whether it's keeping chemicals out of harms way or supervising swimming sessions, here are some essential

SAFETY
- Install barriers to make the pool or spa area safer and delay entry of unsupervised children. Fences should be at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, which are kept in good working order. Power safety covers or doors equipped with an alarm system or self-closing and self-latching devices are other effective safety features. While these measures do not replace supervision, they can prevent or detect access by young children to the pool. Use these barriers in "layers," with each layer adding to the safety of the pool.
Don't leave toys in the water: Toys could lure a child back when a parent is not present.
Enroll in a water safety course with your child: Your decision to provide your child with an early aquatic experience is a gift that will have infinite rewards.
Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, stop swimming as soon as you see or hear a storm
SUPERVISION
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. The NSPCC says: "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 children 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.
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 999 and CARE for the person until help arrives
- Take a Red Cross CPR and first aid class
- Keep a phone by the pool
- Knowing these skills can be important around the water and you will expand your capabilities in providing care for your swimmers
FOOD
Do not chew gum or eat while you swim as you could easily choke.
Never drink alcohol and swim and use common sense about swimming after eating.
In general, you do not have to wait an hour after eating before you may safely swim. However, if you have had a large meal, it is wise to let digestion get started before doing strenuous activity such as swimming.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Watch out for the "dangerous too's"-too tired, too cold, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. Stay out of the water when overheated. Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Don't try to keep up with a stronger skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you. Keep an eye on weaker swimmers-if they appear tired, encourage them to rest on land.
Always check the depth of the water before you dive. A general rule is to enter feet first into water rather than head-first if you don't know the depth. In addition, learn the correct way to dive from a qualified instructor
SAFTY COVER
When not using the pool have a good swimming pool safty cover fitted

Our main aim is to help you have many years of happy usage from your swimming pool and this care giude should only be used as a general guide for more information on caring for your swimming pool please contact us now!