Other Uses For Pool Fencing Systems

Other Uses For Pool Fencing Systems

Pool Safety Tips for a Safe and Happy Winter

A swimming pool is a great addition to any home and adds hours of fun. Spending time together as a family, the health benefits and value a pool adds to a home are sometimes overlooked and underestimated. Pool safety is something that should be top of mind and Hawaiian Pool Builders offers some winter safety advice.
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Toledo, OH (PRWEB) December 15, 2011

Now that the colder temperatures have arrived many people forget about pool and spa safety. Before the snow hits, it’s important to check several items to prepare for the cold winter months ahead.

Hawaiian Pool Builders offers these swimming pool and spa safety tips:

1. Check all the straps around the perimeter of the pool. Straps should be tight and not tangled. If any straps are loose, tighten them up to insure even tension. If these are not tightened, small children might be able to crawl under the cover. It would be next to impossible to see someone that was physically under the cover.

2. A pool or spa cover is an essential piece of safety equipment. Inspect the cover for rips or tears. With a few inches of snow on the cover a child OR adult could unexpectedly walk on the cover and exaggerate the tear, subsequently falling though.

3. Make sure all the breakers to your pool equipment are turned off from the main breaker panel. No need to worry about a child accidently turning on your pump with no water circulation.

4. Inspect fences surrounding the pool to ensure locks and latches are working properly. Though it’s winter, it’s important to be sure unsupervised children are not able to access the pool while playing in the back yard.
These common sense steps take only a few minutes to complete. The time spent inspecting your swimming pool to ensure winter safety can provide great peace of mind.

Hawaiian Pool Builders designs, installs and services swimming pools from its headquarters in Maumee, Ohio. Winter is a great time to start pool research and meet with a team of professionals to guarantee a spot on the spring construction schedule.

The smallest pool can pose a hazard

14 Dec, 2011 01:00 AM

HEALTH authorities are warning parents about the dangers of inflatable pools in the lead up to hot summer weather.
A new US study has found that inflatable pools can be more dangerous than large pools because they do not have fences and are often not emptied.

Camden Council acting development and health director Jeremy Swan said even inflatable pools sometimes required a fence.

"Under the Swimming Pools Fences Act, anything that can be filled to a depth of 300 millilitres or more requires a swimming pool fence," Mr Swan said.

The council was not able to police whether inflatable pool owners were following the law, he said, but he knew of only one child drowning in the past 10 years.

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network has reported a steady increase in drowning incidents over the past couple of years.

There is no Australian data on drowning in inflatable pools at this time.

Kellie Wilson from the trauma service at Sydney Children's Hospital said drowning was a leading cause of death among children under the age of five.

"Any unattended amount of water can be a danger to young inquisitive children, from a half empty bucket of water, to a backyard swimming pool," she said. "We urge parents to closely supervise their children at all times, learn basic CPR and teach children how to swim from a young age."

Pool Fence Warning

POOL and spa owners have been reminded to stay aware of safety requirements to prevent backyard drownings.

Moonee Valley Mayor Jim Cusack, speaking as part of a council awareness campaign, said barriers must be installed for pools with a water capacity of 30cm or more.

“Pools and spas are for fun people of all ages during warm summer days, and most of all, children love the water,” Cr Cusack said.

“However, owning a pool or spa brings with it legal responsibilities to ensure that the required safety standards are met.”

Safety barriers include fences, walls, gates, locks, latches, bolts and fly screens and must be unable to be climbed.

Life Saving Victoria data showed there were no drownings in Moonee Valley in the 2010-11 year.

There was one drowning the previous year.

Life Saving Victoria manager of research and injury prevention Dr Bernadette Matthews said it was also important to think about water safety when going away for summer holidays.

Pool safety is vital

06/Dec/2011

Frank Granger, Applecross

Comments: 1 reader has left a comment

CHILDREN accidentally drowning in home swimming pools can be prevented.

There is an easy and not expensive way to stop the unnecessary death of children through drowning.

In 1962, I built a large swimming pool in my new home in Applecross.

We had a young family and I was determined they would learn to swim at a young age. It was easy – we bought a few kids life jackets.

Our family got used to the idea very quickly – no life jacket and you are not allowed inside the pool fence.

This was a strict rule applied to visitors’ children as well.

Our kids could swim well and truly before they went to school, as did a lot of our friends’ kids.

As we had one of the first private pools in Applecross, a lot of the local kids learnt to swim in it with a life jacket.

Our daughter, later in life, applied the same practice with her kids and visitors’ children with her pool.

One of the factors in deciding to build a pool – to have our kids swim at an early age – was that my wife lost her brother in a drowning accident when he was just nine.

Needless to say, neither my wife nor her brother could swim.

Another thing I believe in is to follow the belief of our great swimming coach Laurie Lawrence and teach your kids to swim when they are babies.

Even if you do not have children and have a pool, go out and buy a couple of children’s life jackets.

If my letter saves one life, the time I have taken to write it makes life worthwhile.

Pool safety is vital

12/05/2011

Frank Granger, Applecross

Comments:

CHILDREN accidentally drowning in home swimming pools can be prevented.

There is an easy and not expensive way to stop the unnecessary death of children through drowning.

In 1962, I built a large swimming pool in my new home in Applecross.

We had a young family and I was determined they would learn to swim at a young age. It was easy – we bought a few kids life jackets.

Our family got used to the idea very quickly – no life jacket and you are not allowed inside the pool fence.

This was a strict rule applied to visitors’ children as well.

Our kids could swim well and truly before they went to school, as did a lot of our friends’ kids.

As we had one of the first private pools in Applecross, a lot of the local kids learnt to swim in it with a life jacket.

Our daughter, later in life, applied the same practice with her kids and visitors’ children with her pool.

One of the factors in deciding to build a pool – to have our kids swim at an early age – was that my wife lost her brother in a drowning accident when he was just nine.

Needless to say, neither my wife nor her brother could swim.

Another thing I believe in is to follow the belief of our great swimming coach Laurie Lawrence and teach your kids to swim when they are babies.

Even if you do not have children and have a pool, go out and buy a couple of children’s life jackets.

If my letter saves one life, the time I have taken to write it makes life worthwhile.

Two-year-old boy drowns in swimming pool after wandering off as his parents attended engagement party.

By EMMA REYNOLDS

Last updated at 6:58 PM on 1st December 2011

A mother and father today told of their devastation after their two-year-old son wandered off from a family engagement party and drowned in a swimming pool.

Toddler Ryan Pearman was a beautiful, happy child, his distraught parents said after the inquest in Oxford.

The toddler, of St Albans in Hertfordshire, was found face down in the water and airlifted to hospital, but he died later that day.

Bride-to-be Jane Pearman told the coroner she screamed in horror when she found her cousin's son in a next-door neighbour's pool in Sonning Common, Oxfordshire.

His father Chris said the family were 'just as devastated as we were on that day. It is something we will never get over.'

Miss Pearson told the inquest she had been saying goodbye to guests when Mr Pearman had come to the front door and asked she had seen Ryan.

She said: 'I walked up into next door's garden and could see there was a pool of water on the top of the cover of the swimming pool, which had not been there when I had spoken to Margaret (the owner of the house) earlier in the day.

'I lifted up the cover about half a metre and saw Ryan. I must have shouted or screamed at that point. I went straight in and got him out.'

Her family rushed to join her and Ryan was given CPR until paramedics arrived.

The boy was found in the pool on Sunday July 31. He was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford but could not be revived and was certified dead at 7.30pm.

The party of 40 adults and 10 children was hosted by Ryan's great-uncle and aunt, John and Diana Pearman, to celebrate their daughter Jane's engagement.

Ryan had been supervised throughout the day, his devastated father told the inquest.

The father of three agreed with coroner Nicholas Gardiner that it had been a case of 'both parents thinking the other was looking after him.'

He added: 'Ryan had been a few steps in front of me going into the garden and my wife thought he was with me.

'He was a very active youngster. He had played hide and seek and swing ball. The last time I saw him was with Ben (Ryan's brother), having a drink.'

The inquest heard Ryan wandered off when some of the family were playing cricket in a nearby field and other adults were inside the house.

We are just as devastated as we were on that day. It is something we will never get over. Ryan was a very happy child. He lived life to the full.
- CHRIS PEARMAN

Ryan had squeezed through some fence posts at the end of the garden and wandered up a country track to next door's house, the inquest was told.

The death was not being treated as suspicious, Detective Constable Rick Josey of Thames Valley Police told the coroner.

A post-mortem examination into Ryan's death showed he had drowned.

Dr Steve Gould told the inquest that the youngster had fluid on his lungs.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Gardiner said: 'The swimming pool proved irresistibly tempting for a two-year-old child.

'It was unfortunate the pool was unguarded.'

Mr Pearman and wife Siobhan described their son as a 'beautiful, happy, loving and funny little boy.'

They said: 'He was nearing his third birthday when he died. The middle of our three boys, he was always at the centre of everything that happened. He had the ability to always make us smile and we are so proud of him and miss him terribly.

'Until this tragic event we did not realise how dangerous some of the commonly used pool covers can be. Some pool covers give the impression of being solid - especially to a child - but in fact are not.

We hope that what happened to our much-loved son Ryan will draw attention to this so that other people learn from it and hopefully similar tragedies can be avoided in the future.

'The Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board will be including a message about swimming pool safety in the Safe in the Sun campaign they are running in the Spring.

'In memory of our son we will also be pushing for UK legislation to introduce safety measures, for instance fencing or child-safe pool covers for all in-ground pools.

'We do not want any other child to lose their life in this way.

'We would like to thank the staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital, and the Air Ambulance service who tried so hard to save Ryan's life.

'The Air Ambulance gave Ryan the best chance he had. As a family we are fundraising for the Hertfordshire and Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Services in support of their good work.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2068746/Two-year-old-boy-drowns-swimming-pool-wandering-parents-attended-engagement-party.html#ixzz1fOCUuKVD

Is Your Swimming Pool Safe Year-round?

Marianna- Local water safety officials are warning homeowners about pool safety after two Florida toddlers lost their lives this week in separate drowning incidents.

Posted: 5:29 PM Nov 29, 2011
Reporter: Bryan Anderson
Email Address: Bryan.Anderson@wjhg.com

Marianna- Chipola College Aquatics Director Rance Massengill said his heart goes out to the two separate families in Florida who lost toddlers to pool drownings Monday.

"We hate to hear it and we're thinking about those families," said Massengill.

According to authorities, both children fell into their families' pools, without anyone noticing.

"Drowing of children four and under is a very serious thing in the United States," said Massengill.

Massengill, who's been a water safety expert for years, said there are ways to stop these types of tragedies.

"The entire perimeter of the pool should be fenced off if you're trying to keep people out," said Massengill.

He also said pool covers can be effective but they must be weighed down. If someone does fall in the water, you must act fast.

"In a child that cannot swim, they'll be unconscious in less than one minute," said Massengill.

Massengill recommended throwing the victim a flotation device, only jumping in yourself if you have the proper training. Regardless, Massengill told News Channel 7 it should never come to that point.

"Having proper supervision at all times is the key to it," said Massengill.

Safety experts said kids can drown in as little as a few inches of water.

Source: http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Is_Your_Swimming_Pool_Safe_Year-round_134712988.html

Safety barrier regulations explained in time for summer pool safety

by Infolink

Backyard pool safety continues to be a prevalent issue this summer with many pool owners still unaware of safety barrier regulations, and drowning still one of the most common causes of preventable death for children under 5 years of age in Australia.

Essentially, any excavation or structure with the capacity to hold a body of water greater than 300mm, used principally for swimming, wading or paddling, requires a safety barrier. This may include in-ground swimming pools, indoor pools, above-ground pools, jacuzzis, spas, inflatable pools and hot tubs, and excludes fish ponds, bird baths and dams (any structure that is not capable of containing a depth of water greater than 300mm).

The Swimming Pools Act 1992, Swimming Pools Regulation 2008, the Australian Standards 1926.1, Australian Standards 2610.1, and Australian Standards 2610.2 all express that requirements for child-resistant barriers vary according to the location of the pool and when it was built.

Local councils are responsible for enforcing the following regulations and can issue on the spot fines for certain failures to comply:

• If constructed before August 1, 1990, access to the swimming pool from the house must be restricted at all times. Any doors or windows which form part of the pool yard must be kept closed and locked at all times
• Pools built after August 1, 1990 and before July 1, 2010 must be surrounded by a fence which separates the pool from the house. Exemptions apply depending on the size of the property
• With the introduction of the Building Code of Australia 2010, all pools built after July 1, 2010 must be surrounded by a fence which separates the pool from the house. No exemptions apply

Once a safety barrier has been implemented (building permits are required for installations and alterations) or an existing fence has been properly inspected, they also require regular maintenance.

Not even a fully compliant barrier system can be considered childproof and proper adult supervision is the key to ensuring the safety of children around a swimming pool or spa area. However, enforcing a consistent inspection system can go along way to preventing injury or death:

• Maintain safety components of gates, doors and windows, including self-closers, latches, flyscreens, catches, and bolts
• Ensure there are no chairs, boxes, pool pumps, tree branches, pot plants, or other objects near the fence that could be used to climb over
• All fences (especially timber paling fences) should be in good repair and non-climbable
• Ensure all gates and doors that provide access to the swimming pool or spa are closed at all times, except when entering or leaving the area
• Neighbours’ properties adjoining a swimming pool should be inspected for potential hazards or climbable objects (where applicable)

28.11.2011

http://www.infolink.com.au/c/Infolink/Safety-barrier-regulations-explained-in-time-for-summer-pool-safety-n911358

New safety measures at Harpenden Swimming Pool

St Albans City and District Council has installed an underwater camera safety system at Harpenden Swimming Pool as part of ongoing measures to help improve pool safety.

The operation and safety of all Council-owned pools is regularly looked at and it has been decided that to improve systems a PoolView Drowning Prevention System will be installed. This devise is designed to help reduce the risk of injury and drowning.

This technology is in use in many public swimming pools around the country and is gradually becoming a standard pool safety measure. The system uses an underwater camera to relay images to a monitor attached to the lifeguards' chair. It helps the lifeguards to provide an even better service while on poolside and will give swimmers additional peace of mind.

The lifeguards' monitor displays eight underwater views allowing them to observe the full water volume within the pool as part of their normal lifeguarding procedures. As is standard practice, images are protected and managed in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.

Councillor Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Leisure and Heritage at St Albans City and District Council, said: "As a council, we take the safety and security of our customers very seriously and this new system will help improve safety at Harpenden Swimming Pool by enabling the lifeguards to monitor activity within the pool effectively."

Scott Machen, Contract Manager, at Leisure Connection, the company which manages Harpenden Swimming Pool on behalf of the Council, said: "This new system will give the lifeguards extra visibility on what is happening in the pool and will help them protect customers from any risk of injury or drowning."

A similar pool system will also be installed at the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre which is due to be completed in late 2012.

Photo courtesy of Meesho's flickr stream

Source: http://www.harpendenpeople.co.uk/New-safety-measures-Harpenden-Swimming-Pool/story-13910949-detail/story.html

Swimming Pool Safety Tips!

Water and Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Parents whose children have drowned say the day of the tragedy started out just like any other day. No matter how the drowning happened, one thing was the same for all these parents: The three tragic seconds that claimed their child's life slid by silently, without warning, and can never be brought back.

Here are steps you can take for guarding children in and around water:

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Protection:

• Use layers of barrier protection between children and water to warn and impede:


• A non-climbable four-foot fence that separates the pool/spa from the residence. Opening should be no more than four inches wide so children cannot squeeze through the spaces.


• Self-closing and self-latching fence gates, side gates and doors leading to the pool/spa area, with latches above a child's reach (54 inches high). Gates should open outward.


• Alarms on doors and windows leading to the water, installed about five feet above ground level so that a child cannot reach them.

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In addition to these protective devices, routinely follow these practices:

• Maintain all safety devices to ensure they are in good working order.


• Secure and lock all doors, windows and gates leading to the pool/spa area when not in use.


• Drain standing water from pool/spa covers. Remove covers completely before using the pool/spa and replace them immediately after use.


• Never leave toys in or around the pool/spa and place items which can be used for climbing (tables, chairs, planters) away from fences.

For hundreds of other tips, please visit the source by clicking here. http://www.babyguardfence.com/water_safety.php

Agent had no pool safety training, inquest told

Norrie Ross

From:Herald Sun

November 19, 2011 12:00AM

PROPERTY managers receive no formal training in pool safety, an inquest on a toddler heard yesterday.

Laura Teal said she knew nothing about pool fences when the girl's mother raised concerns about safety during an inspection of a property the family rented from AFL coach Mark Harvey.

At the June 2008 inspection, Monica Harris said she was worried her three-year-old daughter Lauren might squeeze through a gap in the pool fence where it joined a barbecue.

Ms Teal said she didn't think the fence was dangerous or that it was an "issue" because she knew the Harveys had lived there with their young children.

Ms Teal said she completed a number of courses at the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, but pool safety was never mentioned.

"There was nothing in my training that informed me as to the specific requirements, standards, guidelines with regard to pool fences," she said.

"I'm not trained in pool fencing. The REIV should be putting something in their education."

Lauren Harris drowned at the house in Roberts St, Essendon, that her parents rented from the Harveys in September 2008.

Ms Harris raised the issue of the pool fence around the barbecue and her concerns about toddler access, Ms Teal said.

"She asked me to gain the landlord's permission to put up lattice at her own expense," she said.

The inquest has heard that the bluestone barbecue provided "climbing steps for small children" to a gap in the pool fence.

Ms Teal said Donna Harvey told her in an email: "Tell them they can put something up near the pool at their own expense."

The inquest before deputy state coroner Iain West is expected to continue in March next year.

REIV chief executive officer Enzo Raimondo said outside court that licensed real estate agents had a responsibility to be aware of laws relating to letting and selling property.

"The REIV licence course includes content relating to pool fences and there is assessment on that issue to ensure students understand the requirements. Ms Teal did not complete her licence course with the REIV."

Harvey denies ignoring pool safety warning

Daniel Fogarty

November 18, 2011

FORMER Fremantle AFL coach Mark Harvey says anyone who would suggest he ignored a safety order about his backyard pool, in which a little girl drowned, obviously doesn't know him or his family.

Three-year-old Lauren Harris drowned in the pool at a Melbourne home her parents rented from the Harvey family in September 2008.

Mr Harvey offered his condolences to the Harris family as he gave evidence at an inquest into her death on Thursday.

Mr Harvey said he never received a safety order detailing necessary rectifications.

It has been alleged Mr Harvey was sent a letter with an attached safety order and was also messaged and telephoned after an inspection of the pool area in 2004.

Lawyer Rena Sofroniou, appearing for a senior building inspector, suggested to Mr Harvey that it was unlikely that all methods of communication to him about the order failed.

Earlier, Mr Harvey was asked by a lawyer for the Harris family, Richard Stanley, if he believed while he lived at the home that the barbecue area posed a risk to safety.

Mr Harvey replied: ''Not at the time.''

The inquest continues.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/harvey-denies-ignoring-pool-safety-warning-20111117-1nl2u.html#ixzz1dyY8n1Ok

Infant Swimming Resource Recommends Water Safety Precautions During the Holiday Season

Holiday festivities can lead to a breakdown in regular parental supervision routines

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov 16, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Infant Swimming Resource (ISR, www.infantswim.com ), the safest provider of survival swimming lessons for babies and toddlers from six months to six years old, suggests these winter water safety reminders to help families protect their young children in and around the water while traveling or entertaining guests this holiday season.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4.

"Holiday travel and distractions can lead to a breakdown of normal supervision routines. As a drowning prevention resource for your family, ISR recommends a multi-layered approach to water safety all year long," said Harvey Barnett, Ph.D., founder of Infant Swimming Resource. "It is important for parents to understand that, even if children have had swimming lessons, no child is drown-proof and it is important that water safety remains top priority at home or while traveling."

Holiday Safety Reminders:

1. Initiate Active Supervision

The most critical line of defense against drowning is adult supervision. No level of aquatic skill can replace active supervision. If your child is ever missing, look in the water first.

2. Educate Family & Friends

When traveling to relatives' and friends' homes, they may not be aware of the importance of keeping gates closed, doors locked, closing toilet seats, emptying buckets, etc.

3. Investigate Your Surroundings

Familiarize yourself with potential hazards in a new environment, i.e., landscaped ponds and water features, doggy doors, etc. Watch one mother's story who lost her precious two-year-old son and has turned a terrible tragedy into a way to help others http://www.isrcrossfit.com/sterling/ .

4. Test Pool Fences

Examine the pool area and its surroundings, double-check that there is a permanent 4-sided fence with a self-locking gate. Ensure that the pool fence is at least 3-5 feet from the pool edge, and at least 4 feet high.

5. Watch for Decoration Hazards

Inspect lights, electrical cords and decorations around water. Ensure that no outside decorations provide a means for a child to climb over a fence or open a locked gate.

6. Maintain Pools & Hot Tubs

Keep pools well maintained with clear water even if it is too cold to swim. If your child falls in, he or she can be seen and helped faster. Pool covers need to be drained of accumulated rain water and free of debris.

7. Add an Extra Layer of Protection - Survival Swimming Lessons

A moment's inattention does not have to cost a child his life. ISR's Self-Rescue(TM) swimming lessons are an added layer of protection that teach children how to save themselves should they reach the water alone. ISR offers the safest and most comprehensive survival swimming program in the world, please visit www.infantswim.com to find the Instructor closest to you.

8. Learn to Perform CPR

If an emergency happens, it is essential that parents and families are prepared. Learn to perform CPR on children and adults and remember to update those skills regularly.

For more information about water safety for your home visit: http://www.infantswim.com/water-safety/

And be sure to follow our daily Splash Zone Blog, Twitter feed and Like us on Facebook for frequently posted water safety tips and news:

Splash Zone Blog - http://www.infantswim.com/blog/ Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/InfantSwimmingResource Twitter - http://twitter.com/infantswim

About Infant Swimming Resource

Founded in 1966, Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), with its Self-Rescue(TM) program, is nationally recognized as the safest provider of survival swimming lessons for infants and young children. With a primary focus on safety and effectiveness, and as the world's leading behavioral science based instruction program, ISR is the only choice for parents who are dedicated to their child's safety, education and developmental demands. ISR's worldwide network of highly qualified, certified Instructors has successfully delivered over 7 million safe lessons to infants and young children, which have resulted in nearly 800 documented cases of children utilizing ISR's survival techniques to save their own lives. For more information on ISR, water and swimming safety, or to find an Instructor in your area, please visit www.infantswim.com .

SOURCE: Infant Swimming Resource

                 Infant Swimming Resource          Melody Callaway, 720-939-0476          m.callaway@infantswim.com            

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