FROM THE POOL DECK with Vincent Munyeza
Introduction and overviewDid you know that there are an estimated 80 000 to 120 000 pools in Zimbabwe? This Best Practice document and guideline has been created purely as a free service to the community and is our way of giving something back.
Its objective is to equip parents, pool owners and responsible adults with the knowledge needed to make the right choices for their children when it comes to pools and avoiding drowning related tragedies.
If just one child’s life is saved because someone took the time to read this, then we have reached our goal.
Layers of safety
“Layers of safety” is the layering of two or three recommended pool safety devices resulting in multi-dimensional or multi-layered pool safety.
It is important to note that each layer should be an effective barrier in itself, i.e. that the layers should not only be effective when used in conjuction with others, they should work as stand-alone barrier devices too.
There are several ways to safeguard a pool but education on the various methods is required.
Applying layers of safety is the best method but whatever the layers, ultimately the responsibility rests with the caregiver who must be vigilant.
Supervision should be the non-negotiable layer of safety.
Whenever young children are swimming or playing near an open pool, they are at risk, either of drowning or injury.
It is absolutely essential that children are supervised.
Given the fact that there is still a high incidence of accidents even with adult supervision, we recommend that for every two children in the pool there should be one adult supervising them.
When large groups of children are playing in or around a pool, the number of numbers must be increased using this 2:1 ratio. Separating the children by ages or swimming strengths is also recommended. Making sure that the kids are put in groups, keep the newer, younger swimmers separate from more confident or older swimmers.
Supervisors should never read, take phone calls or engage in any distracting activity when in charge of children.
They should also be prepared to get wet! If you yourself do not know how to swim, put your pride aside and take some adult swimming classes.
You may be your child’s biggest risk.
Our preferred and recommend layers of safety: the combination of (a) adult supervision according to the ratio 2:1, and (b) a solid safety cover.
Guidelines for safe swimming and drowning prevention
l If you have a pool or water feature, get a safety cover fitted by a reputable supplier. Don’t secure a pool then ignore a pond or fountain! Check the cover’s fastenings regularly and replace as soon as they weather or break-they are crucial to the effectiveness of such covers.
l If your children visit friends whose pools are not secure, urge the parent to fit a safety pool cover.
l Check the weight tolerance of any safety covers your purchase.
l Ensure that every adult in the home knows CPR, including domestic workers. If you have a pool, hire a baby sitter or au pair who can swim.
l As soon as a child is found in a pool, start CPR and do not stop before emergency services arrive on the scene.
It can make the difference between a full recovery, brain damage and death.
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