SAFETY

INFLATABLE POOL SAFETY

 CHILD DROWNING PREVENTION

A FEW CENTIMETRES OF WATER AND 20 SECONDS IS ALL IT TAKES FOR A CHILD TO DROWN.

• Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths for children. Children are adventurous and enjoy exploring their environments making them more at risk. They are often attracted to water but have little understanding of the danger that it poses. The physical build of young children also places them at risk as they are ‘top heavy’ and prone to falling into water due to a lack of balance. Drowning can occur quickly and silently - 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water is all it takes for a toddler to drown.
• It’s not only large bodies of water, such as larger in ground pools and the beach that put children at risk; other small bodies of water, like a smaller inflatable pool, are also huge drowning hazards.
• Keep a constant watch on your children around the water. Active adult supervision involves focusing all of your attention on children at all times, when they are in, or around the pool. Do not expect older children to look after younger kids. Children have short attention spans and can be easily distracted
• Remain within arm’s reach of children to ensure you can get to them in time if something goes wrong. Older children still need to be supervised by an adult who is ready to enter the water in case of an emergency
• Stay close and constantly supervise even when they are NEAR the pool, even during filling and draining process
• Do not remove any safety barriers until the pool is completely empty and stored away
• Always take children with you if you leave the water area
• Remove all toys or anything attractive to a child when pool not in use
• Ensure pool is free from furniture or other items that could be used to climb up on and fall into pool
• When not in use, remove water to 1cm or less
• Pool fencing laws apply to this pool. Consult your local government authority and requirements
• For more information, please visit: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/building-renovation-projects/install-residential-small-heated-pool/Pages/restrict-access-pool-area.aspx

'WARNING! Children have drowned in portable swimming pools. Ensure active adult supervision at all times. Do not leave children unsupervised in or around the pool—keep them within arm's reach. Empty and store safely after use.'