Big Splash Expo Pool Safety Tips Blog

Pools are synonymous with fun-filled summer days and enjoyment. However, pools are unfortunately associated with a high risk of drowning, particularly for children aged 0 to 4 years. Pool safety entails a range of factors, including children being competent swimmers, are always supervised, and pool maintenance being up to date will ensure family fun-filled days around the pool don’t end tragically. 

Young children love to explore and investigate and are naturally curious, but they do not understand the potential danger of pools. Adults often become complacent about pool safety, especially around a familiar home environment. Children drown quickly and silently, often without making any noise or splashing. 

Most children who drown in home pools fall in by accident. Pool safety is paramount and having designated supervisors is the first step in pool safety. The next step is ensuring pool fencing is kept up to date. Children have often accessed the pool area through a fence or gate which had fallen into disrepair. Another common issue is pool gates being deliberately propped open and then forgotten to be closed.

Pool safety tips

  • Designated adult supervision
  • Teaching children water safety skills 
  • Learning how to respond in case of an emergency and competently perform CPR
  • Remove any pool toys that can entice children and securely store them out of sight
  • Ensure your pool fence complies with pool safety standards
  • Install a striker or latch to make the gate self-closing
  • Adjust your gate to make sure it opens away from the pool area
  • Regularly maintain gardens around the pool to ensure children cannot climb into the pool area
  • Never leave chairs or furniture near the pool fence to be climbed on to gain access to the pool
  • Enrol your child in swimming classes

Kids Alive program

Kids Alive—Do the Five is a water safety program that educates the public on 5 important steps to reduce the risk of preschool drowning. The website also has educational videos and resources for children and adults.