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The Sensible Way to Enjoy the
Swimming Pool
“The safety information in this
booklet has been produced having adapted best practice from around the
world, including information from the NS&PI of America.”
There is no substitute for
competent adult supervision in the swimming pool environment!
Lives depend on you!
Preface
This
booklet has been prepared to inform you about general safe use,
operation and maintenance of the swimming pool. Swimming pools are
intended to provide many hours of enjoyment. Just as with any product,
you and only you can determine if the swimming pool is used sensibly.
IMPORTANT
"By carefully reading this booklet, you may save the life of a child
or prevent serious harm to yourself, family members or friends. It is
your responsibility to learn and understand safety principles and
rules. To ensure safety, every adult and teenage guest must read this
booklet."
The Sensible Way to Enjoy the Swimming pool
The
swimming pool can give you, your family and guests many hours of fun
and relaxation.
This
booklet contains important safety information you should know about
operating the swimming pool. It will help you understand some of the
causes of swimming pool-related accidents and how to prevent them. It
is your responsibility to be sure that you, your family and guests use
the swimming pool sensibly.
Table of Contents
Good Reasons for Thinking Safety First
Drowning Prevention Tips
Guidelines for Using the Swimming Pool
· Supervision
· Swimming Ability
·
Headfirst Entry - Diving and Sliding
· Jumping
· Exercise
· Entertaining
· One More Word on Drinking
Overall Safe Operation and Maintenance
of the Swimming Pool
· Equipment In and Around the
Swimming Pool
· Layers of Protection
· Fittings, Grates and Drains
· Maintenance
of Swimming Pool Water
· First Aid
· Chemicals
Notice to Parents
Good Reasons for Thinking Safety First
First-time users run the highest risk of
injury
Before they enter the swimming pool, inform
them of the safety rules.
Informed users are concerned about safety
because serious injuries and even death can result from unsafe use of
swimming pools, swimming pool equipment and associated products. Here
are some examples:
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Drowning - According to the
National Safety Council of America, drowning is a leading cause of
accidental death in the USA, especially for children under five.
Although the greatest percentage of drowning occurs in natural
aquatic settings, (e.g., oceans, lakes, quarry, etc.) drowning does
occur in swimming pools. The water depth of any swimming pool is
sufficient for drowning to occur. Protecting young children from
accidents, drowning, near drowning in all aquatic environments,
whether natural or constructed, is a responsibility of you as
parents.
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Paralysis
- Improper diving or sliding,
alcohol consumption, horseplay, or roughhousing in and around the
swimming pool may lead to serious neck and spinal injuries including
paralysis, in the form of quadriplegia or paraplegia. A number of
these injuries occur yearly, with the overwhelming majority
occurring in shallow water. A number of people who ignored these
rules and chose to dive into shallow water are now paralysed. The
facts show that many of these were experienced divers. Don't let
this happen to you. Inform family and guests who come to enjoy the
swimming pool of the safety rules that have been established.
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Electrical Shock/Electrocution - Water is
an excellent conductor of electricity. Electrical shock or
electrocution can occur in a swimming pool if live electrical
current flowing through appliances and devices (including current
from a telephone) comes into contact with the water. Make sure all
electrical appliances are kept well away from the swimming pool.
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Cuts, Contusions and Abrasions - The
swimming pool environment, as well as associated products and
equipment, can be a source of injury to users. Slipping and falling
can result in cuts or scrapes or broken legs and arms. Horseplay,
improper use of equipment or failure to follow instructions or
warnings can result in serious trauma and permanently disabling
injuries. You can help ensure that your family and guests are not
victims of any of these unfortunate accidents.
"Swimming pools are fun, but along with
the fun come serious responsibilities. Be sure that good times are
safe times. Please ensure these rules are enforced.”
Drowning Prevention Tips
Drowning prevention information is not "for
someone else." It is for you. Because only by increased awareness and
effort, can we reduce some very alarming statistics. Drowning is one
of the largest causes of accidental death for children under the age
of five. This is an avoidable accident, which can be prevented by
constant adult supervision.
While supervision is the key to
accomplishing the objective of reducing the number of submersion
incidents, it is well known that, at times, children may do the
unexpected, catching their supervisors off guard. Because being caught
off guard does occur and there may be a lapse in supervision, the
French Government have enacted a law which establishes layers of
protection to complement the requirement for constant adult
supervision of young children around aquatic environments. Remember,
these layers of protection will only delay and may not prevent a
toddler from entering the swimming pool area. Supervision is the only
way to prevent an accident.
Children are naturally attracted to swimming
pools and associated swimming pool toys. To prevent drowning and other
serious injuries, you must keep children away from swimming pools in
the absence of adult supervision. Listed below are some safety tips
that can help save young lives.
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Never leave a child unsupervised and out
of eye contact in or near the swimming pool - not even for a second.
There is no substitute for constant adult supervision.
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If you must leave the swimming pool area,
even for one minute, take your child with you. One lapse in
supervision can spell tragedy. Do not allow anyone of any age to
swim alone. Examples of good safety behaviour by adults are
important to children.
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Teach your children to swim. Do not be
lulled into a false sense of security because your child knows how
to swim - adult supervision is still required. Never consider
children water-safe despite their swimming skills, previous
instruction or experience. Many professionals warn that these
lessons may provide a false sense of security to a child's family
and not actually prepare a child for surviving a true emergency.
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Floating toys attract youngsters. Remove
toys from the swimming pool when not in use. Your child can easily
fall into the swimming pool while trying to retrieve one.
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Keep toys, particularly baby walkers,
tricycles or wheel toys away from the swimming pool. A child playing
with these could accidentally fall into the water.
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Do not rely on inner tubes, inflatable arm
bands or other toys to prevent accidents.
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Limit access to the swimming pool by
closing and locking the doors, windows and gates whenever swimming
cannot be supervised.
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Always completely remove the cover before
using your swimming pool.
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Drain any standing water from the surface
of the swimming pool cover. Even a small amount of water may be
sufficient for a small child to drown.
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Be especially alert for potential drowning
accidents when using the lightweight, floating summer swimming pool
cover. No one should walk or crawl on it. The swimming pool should
never be used when this cover is in use, because you may become
entrapped.
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Maintain a clear zone around the perimeter
of the swimming pool. Do not place objects (e.g., chairs, tables, or
equipment) near the swimming pool fence because a child or youngster
could climb them to gain access to the swimming pool.
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To avoid entrapment, never use a swimming
pool if any of the grate outlets are missing or broken.
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Don’t allow playful screaming for help,
they may mask a real emergency.
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Never leave children with supervisors
unless they are capable and responsible in the swimming pool
environment.
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Supervision shall be continuous when the
swimming pool is in use. (When one supervisor is called away, i.e.,
to answer the phone, another supervisor must be appointed
immediately.)
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When the swimming pool is not in use, the
party leader is responsible for safeguarding the swimming pool.
In Case of Emergency:
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Dial the local emergency telephone numbers
– Ambulance 15; Police 17; Fire Brigade 18
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Give your:
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Name;
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Location; La Grange Sud, Razac-de-Saussignac
(Dordogne)
24240
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The telephone number you are
calling from is; 05 53 61 33 81
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Tell them what happened and how
many people need help.
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Don't hang up the phone until
after the emergency person does. Adults in the family should be
familiar with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is the
combination of rescue breathing and artificial circulation for
victims of respiratory or cardiac arrest as a result of drowning,
heart attack or other causes.
Preventing an emergency is the best
preparation: Never leave a child alone in or near a swimming pool or
any other body of water.
Guidelines for Using the Swimming Pool
As the party leader, you may be legally
liable for the safety of all persons who use your swimming pool. You
have the ultimate responsibility.
But facing the responsibilities does not
mean taking the fun out of using the swimming pool. If you apply
safety practices and use good judgment, you will find that the
benefits of a swimming pool far outweigh the risks. Here are some
guidelines for using the swimming pool.
Supervision
Supervision is a key element in getting
maximum, safe enjoyment from the swimming pool. One individual must
assume primary responsibility for supervising the swimming pool. The
swimming pool supervisor/party leader must study the contents of this
booklet and be thoroughly familiar with all facets of the safe
operation and maintenance of the swimming pool. He or she will take
responsibility for communicating swimming pool safety information to
all persons who enter the swimming pool area. It is a good idea to
designate a backup for times when the primary supervisor is
unavailable.
The supervisor is responsible for enforcing
"swimming pool rules." Draw up these rules from information in this
booklet
These rules should be clearly communicated
to and understood by all persons, young and old, who use your swimming
pool. Most importantly, consistently enforce these rules. Never leave
the swimming pool unsupervised. When supervision is not available,
even for a moment, close the swimming pool, by closing and locking all
of the gates, windows and doors.
It makes sense to pay special attention to
educating young children and non-swimmers about important safety
precautions. Make sure that your children learn how to swim and that
they know how to properly jump into the swimming pool.
It also makes sense for the supervisor and
other responsible family members to be aware of artificial respiration
and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There is no substitute for
adult supervision!
"Supervision, Supervision, Supervision
... is the key to prevent drowning."
Swimming Ability
To properly supervise the swimming pool, you
must be able to identify "real swimmers" from "non-swimmers." Use your
best judgement - many people overestimate their abilities. Keep a
watchful eye for "swimmers" who appear to flounder in the swimming
pool.
If you are uncomfortable with people's
swimming abilities, make sure they stay in shallow water and watch
them closely. If you wish to teach non-swimmers or poor swimmers, the
shallow end of the swimming pool is an excellent place for
instruction. Make sure they keep to the shallow end.
Never swim alone or allow others to do so.
Never swim when overtired, feeling chilled or after taking drugs or
alcohol. It is best not to swim immediately after eating a heavy meal.
Describe or demonstrate to everyone the
under-water shape and depth of the swimming pool. You should be aware
that visual inspection of the swimming pool may be misleading due to a
variety of factors.
The swimming pool is 1 metre deep at the end
nearest the villa and at the other end it is 2 metres deep. The
shallow end is 1 metre deep for approximately 3 metres and then slopes
uniformly down to the deep end.
Headfirst Entry - Diving and Sliding
IS NOT PERMITTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE
Do not allow any diving or headfirst entry
into the swimming pool at any time. Both activities involve headfirst
entry into the water at high speed - a situation that can lead to very
serious, life-threatening accident.
Your first entry into a swimming pool should
be feet first so you can determine water depth and swimming pool
configuration.
The chief danger for divers or headfirst
sliders is serious spinal injury. They may hit their heads against the
bottom or side of the swimming pool or against some object or person.
Injuries to the spinal cord may result, causing temporary or permanent
paralysis or death.
Serious spinal injuries can occur even at
very slow speeds if the head strikes firmly against the swimming pool
bottom or side. The spine cannot absorb as great an impact as the
skull can, especially if the head has been fixed against an immovable
object. If you are diving or sliding headfirst and hit your head on a
hard surface, your chin goes down (rotates) to your chest. Your head
stops, but the rest of your body keeps on coming. You could break your
neck, back and/or sever your spinal cord.
Jumping
Jumping incorrectly into shallow water can
be dangerous, and injuries, such as a broken leg, can occur if you hit
bottom with sufficient force. Before jumping, know the depth of the
water and look out for any submerged obstacles, surface objects or
other swimmers. Always jump directly forward from the edge of the
swimming pool.
Exercise
The swimming pool provides a place for
convenient, effective exercise. It can be used for both serious lap
swimming and for performing calisthenics and other exercises.
Lap swimming is perhaps the best form of
aerobic conditioning ‑ you can efficiently exercise your heart
without placing stress on your weight‑bearing joints and the lumbar
spine.
Exercises for flexibility, aerobics and
strength are easier in water than on land, because being in water
effectively lessens the pull of gravity on your body. It is easier
(particularly for older people or those with painful joints or weak
leg muscles) to do calisthenics in water.
Entertaining
The swimming pool can be the focal point for
great entertaining. Plan ahead to prevent accidents and injuries, and
make your entertaining truly enjoyable.
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Think about the number of people swimming
and their swimming skills. Plan ahead. Children require more of your
attention.
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Food and drink play an important part in
your entertaining. Establish an area away from the swimming pool for
refreshments to prevent accidental slips or falls caused by spills
near the swimming pool and to prevent debris from falling into the
swimming pool.
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More likely than not people will be
bare-footed while near the swimming pool. Use only the plastic
dishes, beverage containers and utensils. Never use glass anywhere
near the swimming pool. Broken glass is invisible in water and
extremely difficult to get out of the support system.
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Keep electrical appliances a significant
distance from the swimming pool. Don't use extension cords. Where
possible, use battery operated-appliances around the swimming pool.
Electrocution from appliances and telephones in contact with water
is a real danger.
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Insist that poor swimmers or non-swimmers
among your guests stay in water that is not over their heads. Do not
assume that everyone near or in the water can swim well or will know
what to do in the event of an emergency.
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Wherever practical, anyone who uses your
swimming pool should shower with soap and water before use.
Showering before use washes away many of the common skin bacteria
and removes lotions, deodorants, creams, etc. Perspiration and
lotions will reduce the effectiveness of the swimming pool
disinfectant and lessen the ability of the filter to work
efficiently.
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People with skin, ear, genital or other
body infections, open sores or wounds should not use the swimming
pool because of the possibility of spreading infection.
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Use of alcohol or drugs does not mix with
swimming pool activities. These substances act as depressants. They
can "slow you down" because they affect the part of the brain that
exercises restraint and control. Alcohol can instill false courage
or "bravado," leading people to try things they normally would not,
such as horseplay or swimming and diving competitions. Therefore,
persons who have been drinking alcohol should not be allowed in the
swimming pool and should be carefully supervised in the area
surrounding the swimming pool.
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Prescription medicines sometimes cause
drowsiness or have other side effects. If you are taking
prescription medicine, check with your doctor before using the
swimming pool.
"Entertaining can be both fun and safe
with a little planning and good judgment. Use only plastic dishes,
beverage containers and utensils. And never allow anyone to use the
swimming pool under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
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Using inflatable toys, rafts and floats in
your swimming pool can be fun. But remember that they are also
deflatable. Poor swimmers or non-swimmers should use them only in
shallow water.
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Games that may appear safe sometimes are
not. Encourage and supervise the use of good swimming pool games and
toys. Prohibit horseplay, especially throwing or pushing someone
into the swimming pool.
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Prohibit activities such as diving through
an inner tube. Serious head or neck injuries could occur regardless
of water depth, due to hitting the head on the inner tube and/or the
bottom or side of the swimming pool.
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Help guests who have removed eyeglasses or
contact lenses for swimming to be aware that their depth perception
and ability to judge distance is changed. Children especially may be
unaware of the difference.
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Do not allow running on the swimming pool
side, as injuries may occur from slips and falls. Stay out of the
swimming pool during lightning or rainstorms because there is a
possibility of electrocution from the lightning hitting the water.
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You have the bottom line responsibility in
swimming poolside entertaining. Use good judgment to help protect
yourself, your family and guests. If in doubt, prohibit use of the
swimming pool by persons whose condition or ability you doubt.
Remember that you are in charge of the swimming pool.
One More Word on Drinking
Many people believe they have to drink a lot
to be affected by alcohol. Studies show this just isn't true. The
alcohol in just one or two beers can affect your judgment, even though
you don’t feel or appear to be "drunk." Even a small amount of alcohol
can slow your reflexes. This is especially true if you are tired or on
medication - such as cold or allergy remedies or prescription drugs.
Research shows alcohol is involved in 50 to 80% of all serious
swimming pool accidents.
Plan your events so the swimming comes
before the drinking. Studies have shown that alcohol is directly
related to a majority of the diving accidents. The effects of alcohol
are a major contributor to all other swimming pool accidents.
Supervise your swimming pool activities.
"Alcohol or drugs do not mix with
swimming pool activities."
Overall Safe Operation & Maintenance of the Swimming Pool
Equipment In and Around the Swimming Pool
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The swimming pool cover ("Abri") is a real benefit
to you in terms of saving energy and keeping debris out of the
swimming pool. It does not prevent
drowning or entry into the swimming pool unless it is locked.
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Overall, slips and falls constitute the
greatest number of accidents involving swimming pools. Keep the
patio clean and clear of all debris.
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Insist that there be no running, pushing
or roughhousing near the swimming pool. Never throw anyone into the
swimming pool.
Layers of Protection
Swimming pools are attractive to children,
and children must be kept away from them in the absence of adult
supervision. Layers of protection have been installed. All gates and
doors with access to the swimming pool shall are lockable, and both
gates are self-closing and have self-latching mechanisms that protects
against unauthorized entry and use. All fences can be climbed by
children given sufficient time. Do not assume that the swimming pool
is safe from entry because there is a fence. A fence may lull you into
a false sense of security. Only adult supervision can prevent drowning
accidents. All layers of protection must be kept in good working order
at all times.
Fittings, Grates and Drains
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Tell children, particularly, that these
devices are not toys. Instruct all swimmers not to stick their
fingers, toes or body into them. Entrapment and drowning can occur.
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Everyone with long hair should be
cautioned not to get their hair near a swimming pool outlet. The
suction can cause hair or body entrapment and drowning. For example,
a drain without a grate can have a pull of approximately 700 lbs. -
enough to hold an adult under water.
Maintenance of Swimming Pool Water
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Keep the swimming pool clean and clear of
debris. For safety's sake, any user of the swimming pool must be
able to clearly see the bottom drain or bottom of the swimming pool,
so as to be able to make intelligent decisions about jumping.
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Keep the swimming pool filled to its
proper level. Periodically check the water levels (Lee will show you
the level – it is approximately two thirds up the face of the
skimmers).
First Aid
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A first aid kit in the Welsh Dresser in
the Kitchen. A list of emergency telephone numbers is by the phone
in the lounge.
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At least one responsible person should be
aware of artificial respiration and or cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
Chemicals
The chemicals needed for your swimming pool
help make it clean, disinfected and more attractive to use. These are
used by Lee and are locked away at all times. If you discover any
chemicals please inform Lee and keep them out of the reach of children
in the meantime.
Notice to Parents:
It is your responsibility to enforce the
rules of safety. Please ensure your children and the other swimming
pool users read or are read this booklet and sign in one of the spaces
indicated below. This will help you enforce the rules since you can
always refer back to their promise reflected by their signature.
We the undersigned have read this safety
booklet. We understand what is says and we promise to follow the rules
of safety and to use our common sense.
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
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________________________________________________
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Parents: The life and health of you and
your children as well as your friends and neighbours is important.
Please practice safety and supervise your swimming pool.
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