Summer Swimming Safety GuideLast November we moved into a new home. It was exactly what we wanted, it had everything…..including a pool. A pool was on our list of definite “wants” when we were looking to purchase a new home. I have an 11 year old son who would swim until he got fins if he could. That being said I also have spirited 1.5 year old daughter who struggles with the concepts of “no” and “dangerous”.
When we opened the pool this spring my husband and I were wary of how our daughter was going to behave around the pool. We decided it would be best if we learned about all the safety precautions and products out there to make our time around the pool most enjoyable. Hopefully the information will help protect your family as it has ours and you too can have an accident free and fun-filled summer in and around water.
Safety Tips
- Check with your town or city to find out the rules for putting up a fence around your pool.
- Build a fence and a gate that will keep children away from your pool.
- Keep the gate locked at all times.
- ALWAYS have an adult watching children in and around the pool.
- Children under the age of 3 and children who cannot swim must wear a life jacket or PFD (personal floatation device).
- Provide your children swimming and water safety lessons (even if you don't own a pool).
- Make sure lifesaving equipment and a first aid kit are always handy.
- Take a course on pool safety, first aid and lifesaving skills (such as CPR).
- Have emergency phone numbers listed at the telephone closest to the pool.
- Make sure toys, garden furniture and tools are not near the pool fence. Children can climb up on these things to get into the pool.
*Information courtesy of Health Canada
To learn more about water safety and learn-to-swim programs, please call your local Canadian Red Cross Society, or the local Branch Office of the Lifesaving Society.
I’m happy to say my daughter is quite cautious around the pool, and enjoys wearing her life jacket . We are working on the concepts mentioned in the safety guides. All in all I think this summer will be one of the best yet!
Here are some links that will provide more info on Pool/water safety
-- Nicky Summers
| 
