2005-82July 22, 2005For immediate release
Advisory
OTTAWA -- Health Canada reminds Canadians about the hazards associated with swimming pools. Each year, many children drown or are injured in both swimming and wading pool-related incidents. These incidents are often linked to a lapse in supervision that results in a child falling into the pool. Entrapment hazards which are also present in a pool, such as ladders and filtration systems, may also lead to injuries or death.
Health Canada offers the following safety guidelines to pool users to help prevent pool drownings:
General Safety Recommendations
ALWAYS have an adult watching children in and around the pool. Do not leave a child unattended as drowning can occur silently in seconds.
Keep young children, and children who cannot swim, within arm's reach.
Children under the age of three, as well as children who cannot swim, should wear a life jacket or an approved personal flotation device whenever they are in or around the pool. Remember, these safety products do not substitute for adult supervision.
Make sure lifesaving equipment and a first aid kit are nearby.
Keep emergency phone numbers listed at the closest phone to the pool.
Take a course on pool safety, first aid and lifesaving skills such as CPR.
Always check the pool first if a child is missing.
Drain all wading pools after use.
Always swim with a buddy.
Send children to swimming and water safety lessons, but ALWAYS continue to supervise when they are swimming.
Fencing and Safety Barriers
Contact your local municipality to ensure that you meet all relevant bylaws before installing and filling a pool.
Build a fence surrounding all pools, including inflatable pools, with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
Make sure other accesses to the pool, such as patio doors, are locked.
Use a solid safety pool cover or a pool alarm as added protection.
Do not use solar pool covers to prevent children from falling into pools. A child who falls onto a solar pool cover may become entangled in it and drown.
Remove or lock steps or ladders leading to above-ground pools when the pool is no longer in use.
Pool Accessories
Review and follow all instructions for pool accessories, such as: ladders, filters and drains. These accessories pose entrapment and entanglement hazards, which may result in a person becoming trapped underwater. Do not allow children to play in or around these objects.
Do not leave toys and pool accessories in the pool when it is no longer in use, as they tend to attract young children.
Store pool chemicals out of the reach and sight of children.
Important Tips for Inflatable Pools
Read all instructions before installing, filling and using the pool.
Carry out regular pool maintenance to ensure that all components are working properly and safely.
Consider only pools that have filter intake pipes with drain covers. Never use the pool if the drain cover is broken or missing.
Have a qualified pool professional inspect the drain cover on your pool to prevent body and hair entrapment.
Contact your local municipality to ensure that you meet all relevant bylaws before installing and filling a pool. In many municipalities, inflatable pools are covered by the same bylaws as in-ground and above-ground pools.
For more information about drowning prevention, consult the sites listed below:
Canadian Red Cross
Lifesaving Society
Canadian Institute for Health Information
Public Health Agency of Canada - Injury Prevention
Health Canada - Sports and Water Safety Page
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Media Inquiries:Paul DuchesneHealth Canada(613) 954-4807
Public Inquiries:(613) 957-2991
