How To Ensure Child Safety With Pool Fences

A swimming pool fence serves as a preventive tool for accidental drowning by creating a barrier between your children and the pool. It is believed to be the most effetive option to keep children out of the pool unsupervised. As equipment for child safety, pool fences are considered better than door alarms and laser or floating pool alarms, though those are great safety tools to add once you have a pool fence. Alarms are designed to alert only after the child has accidentally fallen into the pool and a pool fence can keep that from happening.

The pool safety fences minimize the cases of drowning and are rightly termed baby pool fences, baby gates, pool barriers and kiddie fences. While installing a safety fence near your pool keep following things in mind to ensure maximum safety.

  1. A fence or barrier must be installed around the pool which must be at least 4 feet in height to avoid the child from accidentally falling into the pool.

  2. All the pool gates must have a self-closing gate lock in conformity with the local building code and regulations.

  3. The fence must be constructed keeping in view the life-security threats it can pose for your child. You can ask the manufacturer about the possible threats and the precautions that may be taken in case of injury to your child. The fence must be high enough to be out of reach of the child.

Beyond the need for a pool fence, you can increase your swimming pool safety with the following steps as well:

  1. If the pool is in one's home, doors leading to the pool must be protected by door alarm for access by children.

  2. Power safety covers, which is a barrier (motor-powered) used and placed over the water area, may be used as a substitute for door alarms to prevent the entry of children.

  3. Ladders and steps must be locked and may be removed when not in use, to prevent the entry of children.

  4. Constant supervision must be made by babysitters while a child is swimming. They along with the family members must be made aware of the technique of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

  5. There must be no toys, cycles or tricycles near the pool, as they are known to attract children.

  6. Make necessary arrangements for maintenance and oiling of latches and hinges as that would ensure that all the equipments are working in a safe and healthy condition.

  7. Keep the pool safe and hygienic, for you and your loved ones to avoid catching any disease.

Proper care must be when children are near the pool. Parental guidance and presence is required at all times. Do not leave your child unattended at any times when he is in the water. Besides ensuring the safety of your child by using pool fencing, you can teach your child about some tips, precautions and the steps to be followed in case of emergencies. Also tell him the important numbers which can be contacted, just in case some mishap occurs. Do not let your child be afraid of the water and let him enjoy his stint and relationship with the water.