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Be safe in and around the pool with these tips
JOHANNESBURG – Stay away from drains, filters and water intakes. Loose hair or clothing can get tangled in these structures – possibly trapping a child under the water, warns Arrive Alive.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/11/Swimming-Goggles.jpg)
According to Arrive Alive, most incidents of drowning occur at residential swimming pools.
“Too often adults neglect and leave toddlers unsupervised and the toddler ends up in the swimming pool,” Arrive Alive said.
They have provided the following tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe around the pool:
- Supervise as actively as possible. Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision
- Parents should avoid distractions when children are near water and give them all of their attention.
- Even strong swimmers need adult supervision. Insist on life jackets for children who can’t swim.
- Parents should not only supervise but also advise on safety in and around the pool.
- Running on slippery surfaces is dangerous for everyone around. Someone could fall into the pool, accidentally push a smaller child towards water or hit the slick pool deck causing injury.
- Stay away from drains, filters and water intakes. Loose hair or clothing can get tangled in these structures – possibly trapping a child under the water.
- Teach children to swim. Most children can learn to swim at about age five – but know that swimming lessons won’t necessarily prevent a child from drowning.
- Remove toys from the pool – don’t leave pool toys in the water. A child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.
Related article:
https://midrandreporter.co.za/229528/preventing-incidents-drowning-home/