Swimming Pool Safety
Swimming pools are a great source of outdoor family fun, and young children enjoy splashing around in the water. However, as enjoyable as it is, the safety of young children around the pool cannot be overstated. As a nanny responsible for child care during summer, you must prioritise swimming pool safety to prevent drowning, and injuries and ensure that children have a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. In this blog post, we will discuss back garden pool safety tips designed to protect young children and ensure a secure poolside environment.
Pool Fencing
Installing pool fencing around the pool area should be a priority for parents and homeowners. This helps restrict access to the pool area, preventing young children from wandering unsupervised. A high fence of over four feet is recommended to prevent children from climbing over it, and the gate should be self-closing and self-latching mechanism that fastens securely when closed.
Install a Pool Cover
A pool cover is essential in ensuring the safety of young children around the pool. A sturdy hard-cover pull lid or mesh cover should be in place when the pool is not in use. This ensures that toddlers and young children are kept safe, even if they accidentally wander to the pool area unattended. A pool cover also helps to keep the pool cleaner, reducing debris and maintenance.
Use Pool Alarms
When it comes to pool safety, having an alarm in place is a step in the right direction. Pool alarms should be placed in the pool itself and on the fence gate, alerting adults when a child approaches the pool without supervision or if they accidentally fall into the pool. These alarms can be found in different forms and include motion sensors, sound alarms, and wave detection devices.
Invest in Swim Aids
Investing in swim aids such as swim vests, aid floats or armbands provides an extra layer of protection, especially for younger children. These swim aids hold children above water level, allowing them to move and swim independently of adults. They provide an additional level of security for young children in the pool, allowing them to play and splash around safely.
Supervision
The absolute most crucial aspect of pool safety is adult supervision. Toddlers and young children should always be accompanied by an adult when around the pool. This means constant supervision, avoiding phones and distractions. Adults should never leave young children unattended near a pool, regardless of how brief your leaving may seem.
Teach Swim Safety
It is essential to teach young children about water safety and the pool rules before allowing them to swim. Ensure that they are aware of the dangers around the pool and the rules around swimming. Communication is an essential tool in encouraging children to prioritise their safety while they swim.
CPR Training
Having CPR training is an essential skill for anyone supervising children around the pool area. Knowing how to perform CPR can be lifesaving, especially in the event of a pool accident. Nannies and parents should take the time to enrol in CPR classes to ensure they have this essential and lifesaving skill.
Remove Toys from Pool
It’s essential to avoid leaving toys in the pool after use, as they may attract young children or toddlers to the pool. These toys can also be a choking hazard to toddlers, and their presence can encourage small children, even those who cannot swim or stand, to enter the pool area. Always ensure that pool toys are removed and stored safely after use.
Check Water Quality
Maintaining a pool regularly involves testing and treating the pool water using the appropriate chemicals. However, pool owners should also ensure that the pool’s chemical balance is appropriate for swimming that can harm young children, such as high chlorine levels, can cause harm. Regularly testing the water’s cleanliness and maintaining the pool equipment will benefit young children and ensure a safer swimming experience.
Swimming in a back garden pool can be fun and enjoyable, and as nannies responsible for children, ensuring their safety around the pool is critical. Installing pool fencing, pool alarms, and covers, investing in swim aids, constant adult supervision, teaching swim safety, learning CPR, removing toys from the pool, and checking water quality are essential steps in ensuring peace of mind for parents and a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for young children. By following these tips, nannies can play an essential role in creating a pool-safe environment for young children. Regardless of the season, keeping children safe around the pool is an active and shared responsibility among adults.
For more safety tips, including safety around the home and safe driving practices, check out our Caring for Children course. This course will improve your knowledge and confidence in looking after children in a home-based role. If you’re looking to become a nanny or develop your skill set as a nanny, knowledge is power! Find out more about our Caring for Children course and our other offerings at www.international-nanny.institute today!
