ALERT WHILE ENTERING POOLS

DO’S

■ Always follow the lifeguard’s directions. The coach knows better. ■ Walk along the sides of the pool, don’t run. In particular, children often run and are at a greater risk of breaking a limb, slipping on the wet ground. ■ Wear a swim cap (long hair). This avoids situations like the pool’s filters getting clogged or people cut themselves on a hair when they dive off from a starting block. ■ Wear your swim suit at the pool. Don’t go to the pool with a suit or shorts that you have worn all day. ■ The coach should be trained in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). ■ If you go to the pool with a toddler, make sure that they wear waterproof diapers

DONT’S

■ Never let children swim without supervision, even for a few moments.

■ Don’t allow children to dive in the shallow end of the pool or without proper supervision. Diving boards and other structures are especially dangerous.

■ Avoid swimming underwater while holding your breath, especially after hyperventilating. This can lead to shallow water blackout and drowning.

■ For beginners, don’t dive without proper supervision by an experienced swimmer or coach. Diving should always be done in the deep end of the pool, not in the shallow end or somewhere in between.

■ Don’t go to the pool with a suit or shorts that you have worn all day.

■ Don’t enter the pool being dirty. Always shower off first.

NOTE: When not used, a private swimming pool should be properly fenced and covered. Additionally, alarms should be installed that detect when the fence gate is opened or the water is disturbed without authorisation.