Pool Supervision

Considering that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 years in Australia, it is apparent that adequate supervision is not always being used. Many times, such unfortunate deaths occur right in a child's own backyard; occasionally, a neighbourhood child wanders into someone's yard and drowns. In either case, sufficient supervision could prevent such tragedies and could reduce this sobering statistic significantly. Learn more about proper pool supervision below.

Children And Water: Like Moths To A Flame

There's no doubt about it: Young children love the water. When a toddler or other young child sees swimming pools Brisbane, they are often drawn to it. Due to their curiosity, such children are eager to touch, feel and even jump or wade right into the water. At such a young age, children simply don't have the sense to be cautious about the water - that is why parental supervision so is critically important.

Defining Adequate Supervision

Unfortunately, many parents believe that simply being on the pool deck or within the vicinity of a child who is playing in or near a pool is sufficient; it is not. Many pools Brisbane accidents occur when a parent is within a few metres of a child. The problem is that many times, a supervising parent or guardian isn't really watching their charges, but is dozing off, reading or otherwise preoccupied. Tragedy can flare up in the blink of an eye, and a preoccupied parent isn't going to have the wherewithal to respond appropriately - or quickly enough.

Constant Supervision Is A Must

Instead of simply sitting down in the general area where a young child will be playing in the water, a parent or guardian must plan on constantly keeping an eye on them. Depending on the circumstances, a parent may need to be within arm's length of a child who is frolicking in the pool. Basically, if a child who doesn't know how to swim will be in the water - even if it is shallow - then a parent or guardian needs to be right there with them at all times.

Don't Turn Away For A Second

All too often, drownings occur when a parent or guardian slips away for a quick second, to answer a phone or grab something from the house. Even if you're only going to be absent for a few moments, you must place the child in a safe and secure place - or bring them with you. Assuming that they will be fine is precisely how terrible tragedies occur every year in Australia. Don't become a statistic: Take your role as a supervisor very seriously whenever your young child will be playing in or near the water.

Above all else, it is imperative that a compliant pool fence is installed and maintained. Please contact your local Brisbane pool builder or pool shop for advice on ensuring that your pool fencing is not only adequate, but also compliant.