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POOL SAFETY Fun and safety FOR CHILDREN IN THE WATER


TEACH EVERYBODY TO SWIM Under the National Curriculum, all children by the age of 11 years should be able to swim 25 metres unaided, ensuring they have some knowledge of safety in the water. Where possible, use a swim school so that your children can learn to swim correctly and safely. Key swimming organisations include www.sta.co.uk or www.britishswimming.org


if small children and family pets can access the pool area. Safety covers range from a simple safety net, which is tensioned over the pool when not in use, to a fully automated system which will cover the pool in minutes, by simply pressing a remote control switch. Covers can also reduce heat loss through evaporation.


S


afety around a swimming pool is always important, whether it’s a public or private pool. Always supervise children in and


around the pool, and teach them to keep away from the pool edge and only to go in when they are told they can do so. It is tempting to allow your children to go in and out of the pool as they choose. However, where water is concerned, supervision is essential, and you need to be fully alert to check swimmers continually, even older ones, when the pool is in use.


Other ways of making your pool safer There are four main options to make sure your pool is safe:


1) Enclosing your pool


It makes sense to be able to use your pool whenever you want, day or night and whatever the weather. Covering your pool has financial benefits too; reduced heating and chemical costs and substantial reduction in water lost through evaporation. Pool enclosures come in a variety of types both fixed position, or telescopic versions (which can be opened up or rolled back in fine weather) air inflated domes, large ‘conservatories’ and log cabins. Make sure you check if planning


104 WHAT POOL & HOT TUB


permission is required. Since changes in the planning rules for England in 2008, it has become more straight forward. Your local authority can confirm the relevant regulations.


2) A good quality pool cover Whatever type of pool you have, indoors or outdoors, you will benefit from a good quality pool cover. Pool covers are by no means a new idea; the first covers were introduced into the UK over 40 years ago. Their success has been such that pool owners everywhere consider the use of a good quality cover an essential part of owning a pool. Safety will be more of a concern


Interlocking safety fencing from Life Saver Pool Fence – www.piscine-barriere.com


3) Fencing around the pool A removable safety fence is one of the best safety options designed to provide a barrier around residential swimming pools for toddlers and young children. Fences are installed in sections for easy removal and reinstallation. Pool fencing can be installed in almost any type of deck with a variety of fence heights.


4) A good pool alarm Swimming pool alarms are an immersion alarm that sounds when the surface of the water is broken. They measure movement under the surface and so do not go off when twigs or wind blow across the pool. For larger pools two alarms may be needed. Prices range from £399 to £650.


GENERAL SAFETY TIPS • Ensure that drinks are supplied in non breakable containers (not glass). • Check that safety fences, gates and / or covers, where fitted, are secure when you leave the pool. • Check the security of your garden so a small child cannot wander in to the pool area from neighbouring houses.


• Mark the deep and shallow ends of your pool to show water depth. • Do not allow horseplay around the pool, especially when it is busy.


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