Every year, an average of 30 to 40 children lose their lives by drowning in aquatic areas in Spain, and many of these cases occur in private swimming pools.
As parents, we are aware that when our children are in the pool, we cannot take our eyes off them for even a minute, as the risk of drowning is always present.
Experts warn that we should not lose sight of them for more than 10 seconds and that, in addition, it is important to maintain a maximum distance that can be covered in another 20. A small child who does not know how to swim can drown in 3 minutes and if it is a baby, only 8 centimeters of water are necessary for this to happen.
The biggest problem comes when our children or pets are in the garden with no one to keep an eye on them. It is time to look for solutions that prevent access to the pool, either through fences, pool covers or other devices.
1. Detachable fences to prevent entry
These fences can be fixed or removable so that they are not a visual disturbance. Even so, in summer you will not be able to avoid seeing it every day. Generally these security fences are made of aluminum, wood, PVC, glass, mesh or methacrylate. If you have a small garden, fencing the pool could be very unsightly, not to mention that it will make your garden look smaller.
2. Covers to prevent accidental falls
Pool covers are a very effective solution and if they are also automatic you will not have to make any effort to place it once the bathing session is over. Remember that the cover has to comply with European standards and be attached to the edge of the pool so that it does not sag and water pools are formed, which would also pose a danger to both children and pets. The covers in the swimming pools increase the security besides serving to maintain them clean and acclimatized.
A cover will considerably increase the safety of your pool as well as bring you many other benefits, such as, for example, saving water. On the one hand, you will be able to avoid undesirable accidents, protecting your loved ones from falls that could end in tragedy. On the other hand, with an enclosure you will ensure that insects or garbage will no longer be a problem for you.
3. Security alarms to detect movement
Security alarms have a sensor that is activated when they detect any movement in the pool perimeter. They can be perimetric alarms that alert when a body exceeds the safety barrier established around the pool or volumetric alarms, which emit warning signals only when a body falls into the water. These alarms must be installed on the perimeter of the pool or on the curb to be effective.
4. Wristbands with water alarm
It is a plastic bracelet that is placed on the wrist of the little ones. It is equipped with a small device that sounds an alarm at more than 110 decibels when submerged in water for more than 10 seconds. In addition, it allows children to alert parents in a situation of fear or panic. The bad thing is that these bracelets are usually quite annoying for them and we cannot control them not to take it off.
There are other solutions besides these that would prevent drowning and increase safety in your pool, although the truth is that the pool covers will bring you other benefits such as comfort, as you will reduce maintenance time, and savings in products and water, in addition to increasing the bathing season a few more months because the water will remain at a pleasant temperature for more weeks.
