Increasing safety around your home swimming pool

Accidents can add a sinister angle to the world of home swimming pools. But with some forward thinking, clear boundaries and adherence to swimming pool safety guidelines, you can relax and enjoy the water.

Luckily for inquisitive children, there are laws in place to protect them from accessing a pool area without an adult present. Proper fencing is essential and must be securely installed before filling a home swimming pool. In most states fencing must be at least 1.2 metres high and gates should be self-closing, with a latch that's well out of reach of small hands.

Home swimming pool fencing

Regulations around fencing specifications vary from state to state. The Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) has all the up-to-date information on the legalities involved in pool construction, so check with them to make sure your new pool meets the mark.

Even with adequate fencing, some determined children may try to find their way into the water. Watch out for items such as chairs or nearby branches that could assist them up and over fencing. This is particularly relevant for people with above-ground home swimming pools, which are easily accessed with the help of a step up. 

Paddle pools

Paddle pools may seem like a safe home swimming pool option, but there have been too many drownings in these shallow waters to ignore their potential danger. Always keep an eye on paddlers and ensure the water is emptied out when it's not being used. You can also use this early introduction of water as a great way to ensure children gain confidence and learn some swimming skills. 

Reducing safety hazards 

Monitoring rowdy behaviour by kids (and sometimes fun-loving adults) is one of the best ways to prevent nasty accidents. Remove any potentially dangerous solid items from the home swimming pool area and use slip-proof surfaces around the outside. If the pool is not designed for diving, visitors can be forewarned with a friendly sign advising against it.

When it comes to ensuring the safety of younger swimmers, there is really no substitute for supervision. If you're planning on having a few drinks or socialising around a home swimming pool, ensure there is a responsible adult who can be relied on not to lose attention for a moment. Just one minute can mean the difference between life and death for toddlers.

And if you plan to party by the pool, choose plastic rather than glass to help avoid injury. Alcohol and water are not a great combination, so those who like to indulge should be encouraged not to swim, and should certainly not be responsible for the supervision of children.