Install A Certified Pool Fence To Keep Everyone Safe
Australian law requires every pool owner to install an approved safety fence, There are lots of regulations you need to follow, the main one being it has to be certified by a registered pool fence certifier.
If you employ a registered pool fencing installer, you should have no problems. If your pool is older and you don’t have a fence yet, make sure you get this seen to as soon as you can. Big fines can apply if you don’t
Learn To Swim, And Have A Professional Teach Your Children To Swim Too
The confidence that comes from knowing how to swim can make all the difference any time you are near water. I remember when I was younger, I was terrified by the water, and would crawl along our local jetty to make sure I didn’t fall in.
I didn’t want my daughter to have that same fear, so she started learning to swim at 12 month old. Now she loves the water. The earlier your children learn to swim the more confident (and safe) they will be around water. Plus, if you’ve left it until now to learn yourself, remember it’s never too late.
Never Swim If You’ve Been Drinking Or Taking Drugs Or Medication
Alcohol and drugs (even legally prescribed ones) can seriously impair your judgment and coordination, which makes the risk of you getting injured or drowning much higher no matter how bulletproof you feel.
DON’T do it…
Do A First Aid Course, Or Learn CPR – You Could Save A Life
Adults should all learn how to do CPR, especially if you have children of your own, or if you have them in and around your pool. Knowing CPR and basic First Aid could make the difference in life or death.
People can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, and it happens quietly and often very quickly. And most accidental drownings happen in backyard pools, when the swimmer was left alone for 5 minutes or less.
If people are swimming, you need to be on the ball, alert, and watching in case anyone gets into trouble. hand children should NEVER be left in charge of other children in or around water.
NEVER Dive Or Jump Into Water If You Don’t Know What’s Down There
So many people end up with serious spinal injuries by diving into backyard pools or other bodies of water. Whether it’s because it’s dirty or foamy at the beach, or you don’t know the depth, diving in shallow water without knowing what’s there can cause serious injury or death.
When you first get into any pool or other water, entering feet first is a much safer way to go
Only Swim When Somebody Is There To Watch You (And Never Alone)
Unfortunately, accidents happen when we least expect them, so it always pays to swim with somebody else just in case you get into trouble, even in your backyard pool.
It doesn’t matter how strong your swimming abilities are, don’t be tempted to swim by yourself in a pool or anywhere else. If you are at a beach, always swim between the flags, especially if you have children with you, and make sure Lifesavers are there to pluck you from the ocean if you get into trouble.
Don’t Swim If There Are Storms Around
Never swim during thunderstorms, because water conducts electricity and lightening often strikes water (Duh!) If you see a storm heading your way, or if there’s lightning in the distance, get out of the water, and get yourself inside where it’s safe. OK?
If You Are Learning To Swim, Use Proper Flotation Devices
Inflatable toys, rafts, air mattresses or arm floats are OK if you are supervising children, but make sure you are there with them at all times. The safest thing to do is to learn to swim yourself, and teach your children too. Floatation devices are ONLY good as a last line of defence.
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