You are right to recognize that swimming lessons, although beneficial, are not enough. According to Dr. Susan Scott, Director of the Pediatric Trauma Center at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, “Swimming lessons are not an injury prevention tool.” She goes on to say, “Children are not developmentally ready until at least the age of four to reliably remember what to do if they should fall into a pool with their clothes on.” Although swimming lessons for very young children are very popular these days, they can give parents a false sense of confidence. The best means to prevent swimming pool drowning, according to Dr. Scott, are “barriers, barriers, and barriers.”
There are multiple opportunities to establish barriers between children and swimming pools. These barriers can be incorporated in your home without dramatically reducing the adult access or aesthetic appeal.
Doors and Windows: Every door and window that accesses the yard should be equipped with a secondary latching mechanism that will prevent a young child from opening it without an adult’s assistance. Windows should have a vent stop that allows them to open a maximum of four inches for ventilation. Most windows and doors can be retrofitted with low cost hardware. Remember, window screens are not a significant deterrent to a determined child. A great safety feature is a home alarm system that sounds a chime any time a door or window is opened. Many systems already have this option and only need it activated.
Fencing: Fencing around a pool has proven to be the most effective means to prevent drowning. As such, many jurisdictions now require fencing for new and refurbished pools. Mesh removable pool fence systems, properly installed, serve as an extremely effective, transparent and convenient barrier. Pool fences, whether permanent wrought iron or removable mesh, should have self-closing gates and locks. Self-closing gates ensure that the pool will be secure at all times, even if you should run to answer the door or telephone.
Covers: Mechanically fixed pool covers can act as a safety barrier with some limitations. Covers may not work for every pool configuration, and they are only effective when in the fully closed position. Unfortunately, pools with covers are often left unprotected for extended periods. The easier and faster a cover is to close, the more likely it will serve as an effective safety barrier. Also, covers have a tendency to collect water on top, in which children have drowned; a pump on top of the cover can alleviate this problem. Finally, covers can give children the message that they can walk on water. Obviously, this is not a message we want to encourage.
Parents should also be vigilant when visiting other pools with their children. Surprisingly, most children who drown do so when adults are present, and frequently during parties. Also, each time your child swims in any pool, check to ensure the pool drain covers are in place and secure. A child’s arm or leg can be drawn into an uncovered drain, holding them underwater. Finally, install a telephone outside or carry a cordless phone so you will not be tempted to run inside to answer a call when the kids are in the yard.
Dr. Scott’s message of “barriers, barriers, and barriers” is a good one. Swimming lessons and pool alarms do not fit in the category of barriers and should not be relied upon to keep your children safe.