The school summer vacation is a time when all children want is to play in the swimming pool all day. Its important for children to have fun and even more important for them to be safe while having fun. While proper supervision is one of the most obvious ways to keep a child safe by the pool, is it possible for a child to gain access to a backyard pool when no one is watching? What do we mean by this?
Tragically, many children, especially those under age 5, die each year from accidental drowning. It can happen so fast that before anyone is aware the child is missing, they have already drowned. So, what are some ways to ensure a child does not access a backyard swimming pool by themselves, without adult supervision? One of the most effective methods is to make sure the pool has a safety barrier. Although pool barriers take various forms, for example fencing or walls, the main purpose is to stop a child from gaining access to the pool. For this reason, the barrier must be able to prevent a child from being able to climb over, under or through the barrier. A pool barrier is not necessarily just for an inground pool, above ground pools, hot tubs and spas should also have a barrier that prevents access to water while unsupervised.
The homes exterior walls can be used as a pool barrier as well but be aware that any doors with possible access to the pool can present a danger. Locking the doors is a good thing to do but it is not fool proof. An added safety step would be to fit the doors with an alarm system designed to trigger a warning sound when someone exits or enters the doors. This sound should be distinct and loud enough so that it can be heard in all parts of the house. This is a good way of preventing a child from exiting the house unnoticed.
