Our children are precious and their care our responsibility. This is not only limited to parents and loved ones however, if you have a swimming pool in your garden then, whether you have children or not, it is your responsibility to ensure that you do everything you can to make the pool and surrounding area safe to others.

Did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-14? There are various things you can do to ensure your swimming pool is safe and, regardless of the legal requirements in your country or state, it is down to you to do everything you can to ensure the safety of others.

Here are 10 important steps to ensure your pool remains safe and enjoyable to all.

1. Don’t leave your children unsupervised.

Drowning is often called the silent killer. Approximately 70% of children who drown in home pools have their parents standing nearby but they are unaware of what is happening. Often there are no warning signs such as splashing or crying out for assistance as drowning happens incredibly fast. A child can drown in the time it takes to go to the bathroom quickly or go inside the house to answer the phone. NEVER EVER leave children unsupervised, EVER!

2. Ensure the area around your pool is kept clear of stray objects that can cause a child to trip up or fall.

Any items that a child may trip on around a pool can cause them to fall into the water. As it only takes a short time for a child to drown, the removal of any obstructions can reduce any chances for potential drowning situations. You should also make sure that the pool does not have any toys, games or other attractive gadgets around it, as these items will attract children. If the children arrive to investigate and are unsupervised the potential dangers increase. Above ground pools are less likely to be affected in these situations.

3. Use lights around the pool when it is dark.

Have lights installed in and around the pool itself so that should a child wander into the area, or worse still fall into the pool, they can be located easily and rescued before anything untoward occurs. Pool installation companies can assist you with in pool lighting options.

4. Keep glass containers away from the pool area.

Glass just offers additional dangers around swimming pools and further chances for injury. As an example, if an unsupervised child accidentally cuts their foot on a glass and begins to jump around they could easily fall into the pool. With above ground pools these instances are less likely to occur. Use only plastic items around the pool area itself and make sure everything is cleaned once you vacate the area.

5. Get yourself certified to administer CPR.

Any parent and pool owner should take it upon themselves to become certified in CPR and first aid thereby being able to offer immediate assistance to any child, or anyone else for that matter, in the event of a situation at the swimming pool. This is great advice regardless of whether you have a pool or not, as you will be able to assist in all manner of life threatening situations should they arise.

6. Always keep your cell phone nearby.

Immediate access to emergency services is a must in any drowning or suspected drowning. Immediate call to emergency services should be the priority of anyone who is not physically assisting the child from the pool. Remember a child can drown even in shallow water and any child suspected of inhaling water should be thoroughly checked by medical personnel to ensure there is no further risk.

7. Have a security camera installed in the backyard.

While it may not be possible to monitor at all times, the installation of a security camera, as with lights around the pool, can give extra protection. Your children should be made aware of the camera and this will hopefully act as a deterrent against them entering the pool unsupervised.

8. Make sure your pool has a fence around it to guard against unsupervised access, particularly young children.

While some countries and states have strict legal requirements to install specific types of fences, there are others that do not. As a responsible pool owner you want to ensure that a child proof fence and locking system is installed to prevent easy access to the pool.

9. Keep lifesaving floats near the pool.

Any pool of water is dangerous, keep lifesaving floats nearby to provide you with extra time to reach a child or adult that may be in trouble. Throwing them the life vest can gain you valuable extra seconds to reach them before large amounts of water is inhaled. Lifesaving floats should be part of all pool kits from the day pool installation is complete.

10. Sign your children up for swimming classes.

Teach your children to swim, if they can swim this will greatly reduce the risks of drowning from any accidental fall into the pool. However this does not always give enough protection, if a child has fallen and knocked their head, or is distraught and panicking, the panic can overcome their ability to use their swimming skills.

Nobody wants to be responsible for the death of a child or anyone else in their swimming pool. Generally our pool installation purposes are for fun and enjoyment with our families and friends. Make it your purpose to ensure the top 10 steps are followed in your pool area and provide the ultimate protection for our children. Remember step number 1 and NEVER EVER leave children unattended in or near swimming pools or any other body of water.