Securyploof, Drowning prevention advices

Drowning prevention

Unfortunately, every year in private and public swimming pools drowning and various kinds of traumatisms caused by accidental falls occur.
The majority of child accidents in swimming pools may be avoided if these instructions are followed:

Training of young children to swim as soon as possible in order to avoid drowning.
Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult at all times when in or around the pool. Children should be watched closely while swimming. Remember that only 2.5 cm are needed for a child to cover nose and mouth, if he falls forward.
After eating, let at least two hours pass before bathing .
After eating, after sunbathing or practicing intense physical activity, prevent them from plunging into water straight away the first time they bathe,
Prevent them from diving headfirst into water without checking the depth. Be sure that there are no obstacles or people to crash into.
Look for safety signals in the swimming pool regarding the use of springboards, levers and slides, and those referring to water depth.
Prevent your children from running near the pool, pushing, jumping on others, diving when playing. Make them respect the safety regulations of these installations.
Make sure children who have not yet learned to swim are equipped with floating devices (swimming jackets, swimming aids, etc.) adapted to their age , which enable their floatability and keeps their head out of water if they may fall.
Moreover, in the case of private swimming pools, the use of safety fences around the swimming pool can prevent children from access the pool and accidentally falling into.

Drowning prevention advices

Drowning usually occurs in private swimming pools or hot tubs. Children in the first year of life usually drown in the bathtub, even in 2 inches of water. For children who have access to water, constant supervision is the main way to prevent drowning accidents. During parties, one adult has to be clearly identified as guardian of the pool. Most drowning victims were only out of sight for a few minutes.

Never leave a child less than 3 years old unattended in a bathtub or wading pool. Toddlers can drown in 2 inches of water. When not in use, keep wading pools empty.
Never leave a toddler unattended near a 5- gallon industrial bucket with any liquid inside. If they peer inside, they may fall in and drown because these large buckets don't tip over easily. When you are done, empty it.
Never leave children who can't swim unattended near a swimming pool. More children drown in backyard swimming pools than at beaches or public pools.
Make sure that neighborhood pools are fenced off and that the gates around them are kept locked.
If you own a pool or Jacuzzi, and your young child is missing, always check these places first.
Try to arrange swimming lessons for your child before age 8. Children are often ready to learn to swim by the age of 4 years.
Caution children of all ages to check the depth of the water before they dive in. Also, avoid diving in the shallow end of a pool.
Caution children of all ages not to over- breathe before diving in as a way to swim underwater longer. This practice can lead to passing out while underwater.
Caution even the accomplished swimmer to always swim with a buddy, never alone.

Use Layers of Protection

To prevent swimming pool drownings, layers of protection are essential. Place barriers completely around the pool, closely supervise young children, and be prepared in case of emergency.

If a child is missing, always look first in the pool. Seconds count !
Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.
Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access.
- Fences and walls should be at least 4-feet high and installed completely around the pool.
- Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.
If your house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarm that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area, to prevent access by young children.
For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.

Pool and Spa Entrapment Dangers

Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer, safer drain cover is in place. The new drain covers are usually domed-shaped - instead of the old flat drain covers.
Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) , a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected.
Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or entanglement hazards.

Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.
If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the powerful suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person's body to break the seal.

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