Safety measures required for all pools

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/07/2015 (3746 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Like ice cream and sunscreen, the portable backyard pool is quickly becoming a staple of summer life in Winnipeg.

Although specific sales numbers for the city are not available, a look around any city neighbourhood confirms portable pools are becoming increasingly popular.

It is easy to understand why.

Portable pools come in a multitude of styles and sizes, from smaller blow-up pools to larger frame pools that can hold hundreds of litres of water. And they are relatively affordable, ranging from $10 for a wading pool to about $1,000 for a 24-foot-by-12-foot pool.

But along with the rise in popularity comes an increase in risk, especially for children under five years of age.

While local numbers are unavailable, a 2011 article in the journal Pediatrics sheds some light on the issue. Written by Dr. Gary A. Smith, Brenda J. Shields, and Carol Pollack-Nelson, it noted the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 209 drowning deaths in the United States between 2001 and 2009 could be attributed to portable pools. Of these cases, 94 per cent involved children under the age of five, and 73 per cent occurred in the child’s yard. The authors also noted about 11 per cent of all pool fatalities reported to CPSC involving children under the age of five between 2005 and 2007 were associated with portable pools. These numbers underscore the fact portable pools can be deceptively dangerous.

While larger in-ground pools are often protected by fences, the portable pool, especially smaller ones, are often fence-free. This is an issue because portable pools often have low and flexible sides that make it easier for a child to climb over. A study of above-ground pools showed children between 3� years of age and 4� years of age were able to climb into a pool with a 48-inch wall even though the ladder was removed. And let’s not forget children can drown in a few inches of water within minutes.

Of course, there are steps you can take to help keep children safe. Experts recommend a layered approach to pool safety that includes the following:

Fence in your pool: the City of Winnipeg requires everyone with a pool more than two feet deep to have a permit. Owners of portable pools must comply with the same regulations as those who have in-ground pools, including adequate fencing. When a pool is not being used, empty it and put it away. You should also use a snug and secure pool cover, if it is sold with your pool, to prevent children from climbing into it unattended. Portable pools often come with a removable pool ladder. Removing it when no one is using the pool makes it more difficult for a child to get in. Some new ladders have an outer ladder that swings up so the steps can be locked up.

Proper supervision: the single most significant factor associated with drowning deaths of children under the age of 14 is not the “complete” lack of supervision, it is the “momentary” lapse of supervision. In other words, when supervising children in a pool, it is important to keep your eye on them at all times. Even running into the kitchen for a minute to grab a snack for the kids while they are in the pool could be a tragic mistake. Once a pool is set up, assign a “pool-watcher” to keep an eye on things at all times.

Personal safety: teach your children to swim, float and other basic life-saving skills. But do not consider young children to be “drown-proof” because they have had swimming lessons. Parents and caregivers should learn life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so they can respond in case of an emergency. Water wings, bathing suits with flotation devices in them and swim toys are not safety devices.

Tell the neighbours: if you have a portable pool set up in your yard, let the neighbours know, especially if they have children or grandchildren. You never know when a neighbour’s child may wander into your yard while your backyard pool is unattended.

Pools are intended to make summers fun and enjoyable. By following the tips above, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury to your child — and ensure your memories of the backyard pool are happy ones.

Dr. Lynne Warda is medical director of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s Injury Prevention Program and an emergency physician at Children’s Hospital.