Swimming Pool Safety for Kids - 12 Ways to Make Your Pool Fence and Gate More Safe for Children

Every pool owning parent understands the importance of a safe swimming pool and secure fencing. Sometimes, however, it can be all too easy to overlook vital details, or underestimate an adventurous child's ability to work around these restrictions.


My home state of Queensland, Australia recently introduced some very strong pool safety laws, admirably designed to make all pool fences in the region as child-safe as possible. While the rest of the world has no legal obligation to follow these steps, it makes a terrific guideline for every careful pool owner, and I can't recommend them enough.

While the following guide is by no means comprehensive, it covers the most important pool fencing regulations our safety inspectors will check. By following these steps when building or improving your pool fence, you will avoid some of the biggest everyday child hazards.

Step one:
Ensure all gates can close fully and naturally without the need to apply any extra force. This will help prevent the very common and dangerous mistake of fences being left open by mistake.

Step two:
Make sure the gate's latch or handle is safely out of reach. This means at least one and a half metres from the ground; preferably higher.

Step three:
Avoid any wide gaps between the gate and fence. (Here in Queensland, Australia, the widest gap allowed is 1cm!)

Step four:
Make sure the gap between the ground and bottom of the fence is less than 10cm; preferably even less. Leave no opportunity for a child to even think digging or squeezing underneath is an option.

Step five:
Remove all external objects from the fenceline. This means no hanging towels, clothes, skipping ropes, lights or even vines. Any of these objects could feasibly help a young child climb over.

Step six:
Keep all trees, vines and shrubs near your swimming pool very well trimmed.

Step seven:
Purchase a large, clear, step-by-step CPR instruction sign. It is essential that any guest or temporary supervisor will be in a position to deal with emergencies, however unlikely. This simple step has saved many lives and will continue to do so.

Step eight:
Remove any tables, chairs, plants, benches or other furniture or ornaments that could be used to climb over the fence line, however unlikely it may seem.

Step nine:
Ensure the fence height is at least 1.2 metres above the ground - consistently, all the way around your pool. This rule also applies to fences between neighbours.

Step ten:
Avoid any gaps less than 10cm wide.

Step eleven:
If your home has direct access to the pool, secure any doors using the same strict safety standards listed above.

Step twelve:
Look for any windows that could feasibly access the pool area. Cover them with secure bars - once again, no wider than 10cm apart. Alternatively, fit your window with a child safety device that can achieve the same effect - i.e. no opportunity to open more than 10 cm.

While the "ten centimetre" golden rule may seem excessive, it's worth remembering that child safety is at stake. By following these steps carefully and without compromise, you will go a long way in keeping your pool as safe as possible.

Article by Alice Starr
Learn more about Brisbane pool safety and Brisbane pool inspectors.

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Why You Should Use a Swim Nappy

Swimming pools and health clubs are a great experience for a toddler, as well as for your self. Swimming and splashing around can really build your child's confidence in the water. However, the good time can be spoiled if you have to worry about your baby having little accidents in the water. A swim nappy can prevent accidents and you can be sure sand or seawater will not leave an unpleasant reminder.

Unlike a specially designed swim nappy, normal swimwear does not give any protection against sand and salt. Going to the pool with normal nappies also has to be avoided: an ordinary, disposable nappy will soak up the water in a few seconds, weighing your baby down. If littered, the absorbent core can also damage the filter system of the pool.

A swim nappy has snug-fitting legs and a waistband, so the results of small accidents will never be released into the water. Its absorbent core will never burst out, and it doesn't soak water so and there is no risk of salty water or sand irritating your baby's skin. However, because the nappy is designed not to soak water, it does not hold urine either. These diapers will only hold poop.

One can choose from two main types of nappies: the disposable swim nappy is very much similar to normal disposable ones. They come in a pack and you can throw them out after use. They don't swell up in the water, but they still have an absorbent core.

The reusable swim nappies are made from a material very similar to ordinary bathing suits. This allows water to escape, but will stop the solids. These diapers can be washed and re-used, so they are more economical if you take your baby swimming a lot. There are also reusable nappies with a waterproof layer. A swim nappy of this kind has a kind of plastic pant within the nappy. There are also other nappies with an inner mesh layer, which again retains solids but lets the fluids through.

Swim Nappy is essential baby swimwear to prevent embarrassing accidents.

Article by Charmine Ryan Source

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Infant Swimming Benefits - The Earlier a Child Is Exposed to Water the Better

Having a new baby demands a change in routine and lifestyle. Our daily schedules are continually becoming more 'busy' and when a baby sleeps any spare time we have we fill it with other jobs we can complete without being interrupted. Often we can lose focus of how important it is to spend quality time with our new arrival. Early stimulation has long term benefits.

Babies have been in the womb in fluid for 9 months and is a familiar environment to stimulate a comfortable feeling. This is a special time for you and your child, without interruption.

Children are not born with a fear of water. However the correct hold is important for the security of your child when in a swimming pool or even enjoying the aquatic experience in the bath!

So the earlier your child is exposed to water over the head (in the shower or bath) the earlier they learn to enjoy the water environment. Babies learn through exposure to new stimuli. So this is what makes attending infant swimming sessions at a specialised reputable swim school so rewarding for both mother and child.

We are born with over 120 reflexes some of which are stimulated in the water and become stored as a beneficial skill in future water activities or swimming sessions.

When holding your baby and moving through the water a movement pattern resembling a kick will automatically be seen. Swimming instructors love to take credit for teaching this skill however, the water is simply activating an innate skill. i.e. taking advantage of already formed patterns.

In an ideal swimming pool environment, a professional swimming instructor will utilize many activities that stimulate & develop these skills as well as enhanced development stages. i.e. babies watch (visually tracking) brightly coloured floating toys. Visual tracking is so important and must be stimulated to encourage hard wiring of the brain cells. Later used for reading and fine motor skill development.

Floating and moving through the water stimulate early propriceptive and vestibular senses. Simply put balance and movement. Again an area of importance for child development.

As swimming instructors, our whole philosophy depends on children and parent being in positive learning states. When babies are happy (even adults) their brain produces endorphins, which are also essential for self esteem and a healthy immune system. Laughter is the body's opponent of stress.

Babies, who exercise when in the water, often are more resistant to common colds & flu's. They often are tired after swimming and fall asleep after sessions.

It is important to note that infant aquatic classes are initially not learning to swim lessons. Babies will not learn to swim immediately, however will learn to be more relaxed in the water, enjoy the experience, all the developmental benefits & even the bonding experience with the primary care giver.

Water Safety & survival skills are introduced and repeated over time throughout the swimming sessions.

Swimming schools should pride themselves on giving parents the knowledge, skill and confidence to guide their infant through their swimming experience. To encourage parents to practice in the water and allow children to become more active on land & independent in the water.

Infants are amazing little creatures and constantly surprise us with what they are capable of performing in the water. As Pooh Bear would say "It just gets curiouser and couriouser."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2482135

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