If you’re installing a new inground pool, there are several steps you can take to ensure your children’s safety. Simple ways to help keep your kids safe around the pool include investing in a CPR course, setting pool rules, using pool toys and of course, slip, slop, slap!

When installing a new inground swimming pool for your family’s enjoyment, you need to also be aware of the risks involved.

As exciting as it is to have a new pool, ensuring your kids safety is your first priority. So even before your pool is installed you need to make sure you are up-to-date on the safety rules and legal requirements around owning a pool.

There are also some simple steps and tips that you can follow to keep your kids safe:

Invest In A CPR Course
It’s important to be prepared in the case of an emergency. No-one likes to think that it could happen to them, but if it does you or another member of your family needs to know exactly what to do.

Inground pools do hold a higher risk than above-ground pools, so it may be a good investment of your time to do either a two hour or half-day local CPR course.

Set Pool Rules
You need to ensure that your children are not putting themselves or others in danger, and a good way to educate them is to set some rules yourself or invest in a pool rules sign.

You can easily purchase a sign online and install it on your pool gate or fence where it is visible for all swimmers to see.

It will contain some basic rules including:

No running around the pool
No diving in shallow water
No jumping or rough play
Having written rules displayed will prevent any confusion around your inground pool.

Using Pool Toys
Pool toys make excellent presents and can be great fun for kids playing in the pool. They can also be ideal for just relaxing and floating around the pool. However, you should be aware of the risks associated with some of these toys and inflatables:

Children can get caught underneath them
Children can jump on each other
Pool toys are not a safety floatation device
To reduce the risks and possible injury just make sure yourself or another responsible adult can supervise the kids while they are using the pool.

Slip, Slop, Slap
In summer, the sun in Australia is intense and can create skin damage very quickly. It’s important for you and your kids to be sun-smart when swimming in the pool to protect the skin from painful sunburn and sun damage.

There are some simple tips that everyone can follow to reduce their risk:

Cover up with a shirt and hat if possible
Use a high UV factor sunscreen and reapply every few hours
Take breaks in the shade, or consider installing a shade cloth or parasol over part of your inground pool
Pools can be fantastic fun in the warmer months, and if you are fully aware of the risks, then you have the best chance of protecting your family from sun damage.

Prepare for the next summer today and if you follow these simple tips you will continue to get the most out of your pool.