Pool fun starts after safety is sorted. Beyond helping to avoid any serious incident, swim safety is also about increasing your family’s enjoyment of the pool by giving you more peace of mind. In this article, we’ll cover swim safety 101, from supervision and swimming lessons to safety equipment and pool fencing. With these practical tips, your pool will become a safe place for everyone, so let’s dive right in!
The pool should always be a child-safe zone. Pool fencing is the most reliable preventative measure for pool safety and is legally required across most of Australia.
It is also the first line of defence against accidents, preventing unsupervised access to the pool and keeping pets and little ones safe.
So, if you’re planning to add a pool to your yard or haven't yet installed pool fencing for your pool or spa, these physical barriers are non-negotiable.
There are several types of pool fencing, which means there is something for everyone and easy enough to match your backyard’s aesthetic.
You may opt for sleek, modern glass pool fencing, which offers optimal visibility, or choose more traditional aluminium fence panels.
For a more architectural look, perforated metal pool fencing is becoming increasingly popular. Its clean, contemporary design provides excellent airflow and filtered visibility while still creating a striking visual feature.
Often, you can customise the perforations to different patterns and densities, giving you a stylish, modern statement piece that doubles as a safe, compliant barrier.
Whatever you choose, be sure that there are no wide gaps or footholds for climbing. Check your local council guidelines or consult a professional to ensure your pool fencing is as safe and compliant as possible.
Managing Gates, Doors, and Other Access Points
Preventing kids from entering the pool when adults aren’t watching means managing the access points.
High-positioned latches, self-latching, and self-closing mechanisms on gates are absolutely essential.
You may even consider adding more high-tech features to your fence, such as audible gate alarms or motion sensors.
Secondary access points (sliding doors, back doors, windows, and side gates) will all need childproof locks as well.
In the off-season, the pool must be covered with a compliant pool cover, and any climbable objects should be removed from the perimeter of the pool fence year-round.
Keeping the Pool Area Clear and Visible
A clear pool area is crucial for quick intervention and adequate supervision. Murky or cluttered water hides potential danger. Keep pool water clean, filtered, and chemically balanced, and remove toys after swimming to reduce visual distractions. It’s also wise to rearrange your outdoor furniture, barbecues, planters, and decor to keep your sightline to the pool unobstructed.
Preparing for the Unexpected
As the saying goes, “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” Being proactive about emergency readiness can save lives.
All parents and guardians should pursue CPR certification before summer kicks off, and should refresh their knowledge annually.
To prevent mental blackouts in emergencies, keep laminated CPR steps and an emergency contact sheet near the pool and easily accessible.
You should also keep safety equipment on hand. Think reaching poles, rescue rings, life jackets, and a fully stocked first-aid kit. Teaching your kids how to stay calm, get an adult, and use safety equipment can help you and them feel calmer and more capable.
Creating an Effective Supervision Plan
Grown-ups need to actively supervise swimming kids at all times. This means watching attentively, staying close, and keeping your devices safely away during swim time.
Life jackets and floaties are helpful, but they’re never a substitute for adult supervision.
As your kids become older, more confident swimmers, they can be given more independence, but younger children should always be within arm’s reach of an adult.
Helping Kids Become Strong Swimmers
Try to get your kids involved in swimming lessons early and consistently throughout their childhood.
Luckily, Australia has no shortage of swimming programs designed for kids, some even starting in infancy.
Prioritise programs that teach safety and survival skills before moving on to speed and technique.
You can continue to support learners at home. Help kids practice swimming in the shallow end of the pool with you, playing breath control games and learning how to safely enter and exit the water.
As they become more confident, you can find more games that help them build endurance and improve their swimming techniques to help ensure their safety.
Checking the Pool Regularly
Conduct routine inspections of the pool to ensure everything from the pool fencing to your gates to the laminated CPR instruction sheet looks functional and clean.
Test alarms, check pool covers for tears, and do a quick cleanup along the perimeter to maintain visibility. Make sure you repair anything that is compromised quickly.
Key Safety Takeaways
Remember that ensuring swim safety is the number one way to make this summer your family’s best yet. Follow these tips:
- Plan a child-safe pool design that includes safety-compliant pool fencing as your first line of defence.
- Ensure pool gates and secondary access points are inaccessible to children by using high-positioned latches, self-latching and self-closing mechanisms, childproof locks, and seasonal pool covers.
- Keep the pool water and your sightline completely clear and visible.
- Prepare for emergencies with CPR certifications, safety information, and safety equipment.
- Supervise swimming children at all times, watching attentively, staying close, and keeping your devices safely away during swim time.
- Enrol your kids in swimming lessons as soon as possible, and be sure to practice at home.
- Inspect your pool regularly for safety issues and make immediate repairs when necessary.
