Category: Water Safety

A swimming pool in the backyard can be a great gathering place to throw a pool party safely for friends and family. But with all the fun and excitement, these parties also bring risks and responsibilities. You don’t want your pool party to be remembered with an incident of drowning, now do you? Stick to the article if you wish to have some tips for a safe pool party. 

Pay attention to the invitation. 

It is advised that you have an invitation-only allowance. That makes the process safer. See that the invitation you circulate is crystal clear regarding aspects like pool information and expectations. Mention details of your pool, make them use USCG-approved life-jackets mandatorily for children, non-swimmers, and weak swimmers, make parents responsible for their children’s safety, etc.

If you put such information on the invitation cards, you are already adding a layer of protection. This way, you can convey the risks and expectations without awkward conversations, and the attendees will be aware of their responsibilities and risks.

Inspect your pool area to ensure that there is no danger.

A thorough inspection of your pool and the area around it is a must. Pay attention to every detail. Check if the water is clear or if anything is broken and needs to be fixed. Ensure that your pool meets all the code requirements. Pay attention to the fence, lights, alarms, gates, and every little thing. Even the smallest of these things can be used against you if an unfortunate incident occurs.

Do not skip the part of the safety briefing. 

Yes! This is an essential aspect of a pool party, and people often tend to skip it. To minimise the chaos and risks, you shall sit everyone down before the party begins and give a proper briefing about the most minor details. 

Make sure you let the kids know of their roles, such as no diving, being in the pool only with parents or pool lifeguards, breaks during the sessions, life jackets, the concept of the buddy system, etc. Make this very clear to them that they are not supposed to go and help, but are supposed to find an adult. 

Restricted Access

Installing restrictive equipment like fences and door alarms along the pool area is a great way to prevent accidents. We understand that the fences are not one of the most desirable things in a party-like event, but in no circumstances shall you ignore them. They are there to restrict unauthorised people or non-swimmers from entering the pool area. Not keeping these fences would only increase your risk as a party host.

You should be specific about the timings. For example, you should restrict access to the pool during ceremonies like cake cutting. The door alarm would come in handy with this, as it will start buzzing if a child or anyone goes into the area. 

Pool lifeguards are a must.

Never throw a pool party without having multiple pool lifeguards around the pool. They are one of the most important parts of the party. Please note that it is not always sufficient to have just one water watcher in the area. Consider aspects like pool size, shape, visibility, etc., and choose the number of pool lifeguards accordingly. 

It would serve you even better if you ensured that the parents had eyes on their children, despite the presence of pool lifeguards. The more eyes you have, the safer the whole event becomes. 

If you are looking for a team of highly qualified pool lifeguards in Australia or wish to receive safety training services from the best professionals, contact us at West Coast Water Safety. 

Swimming has multiple physiological and psychological benefits. Hence it is highly promoted by various schools and institutions. However, with rejuvenation comes the risk of drowning.

The year 2020 and 2021 saw a 20% spike in the rates. One of the major reasons drowning is scary is that it is hard to identify. To spot someone drowning requires more precision and experience than most lifeguards possess. This is why it is advised to appoint a lifeguard instructor and train the staff working near water bodies or swimming pools or else learn about lifeguard courses. 

It is prevalent amongst kiddie pools or children near beaches. Identifying a drowning child can be a task. To always be prepared, let’s discuss how you can spot someone drowning and the signs you should 

Distinguishing Between Aquatic Distress and Drowning

To begin with, you must identify whether the person is in aquatic distress or is drowning. Though both the conditions are serious, a person experiencing aquatic distress can ultimately save themselves by holding onto something. 

A drowning person showcases silent signs that may not be easy to comprehend. As the person is struggling to avoid suffocating underwater, the signs appear subtle. 

Signs That Indicate Drowning

The following signs are visible and can save someone from drowning.

Silence: The person who is drowning will be silent and will hyperventilate. They will be occupied in catching their breath. In this muted reaction, one should look for panicked expressions.

Downward Movement of Arms: If drowning, the person will move their arms downward, as if trying to get hold of something. 

Tilted Head: A drowning person will tilt their head back. Their body will be in a vertical position, but their head will be submerged in the water, and by tilting, they will prevent the water from entering their airways. 

Floating With Face Down: This sign is of absolute concern if this position is stagnant for 30 seconds. It should not be considered as purposeful floating. 

Position of the Hair: Hair over the forehead or the eyes indicates a person drowning. 

Attempting to Swim but Failing: If you notice a person trying to swim in a direction but failing, run to rescue them.

Rescue Steps After Identifying Someone Drowning

Certified lifeguard instructors teach lifeguard training courses to apply the following steps once they spot someone drowning: Rescue the individual and remove them from the water without putting yourself in any harm. 

1. If you are a non-swimmer, call someone who can swim or extend an object for the victim to grab on. 
2. Call for emergency medical services to ensure that drowning has not led to severe physiological damages.
3. Begin rescue breathing and CPR to remove the water from the victim’s body. Also, wrap them in a towel to prevent shock. 
4. If needed, transfer the victim to medical personnel and life support. 

Practicing Water Safety is the Need of the Hour

Water safety is essential to ensure a peaceful swimming session does not end in a catastrophe. Swimming is a survival skill and is a must if you love being in the water. Swim only in the protected areas and with a friend to have a helping hand in any tense situation. 

If you are a non-swimmer, ensure to wear safety equipment like life jackets. Remain cautious near water at all times. Lastly, ensure that a lifeguard is on duty while you swim. 

West Coast Water Safety offers water safety courses in Australia, with certified lifeguard instructors and water safety experts. A lifeguard is mandatory near swimming pools and beaches. You can become a lifeguard with our offline courses for all ages. Enroll today!

Before entering the ocean, swimmers must take some time to watch Water Safety Tips on the waves, look for and avoid places where there are strong backwash, obvious rip currents, or a danger of being washed onto the rocks (this includes rivers, etc). Check the weather and the tides before you leave home – if the sea is too rough, think seriously about not going in.

Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.

If you experience a strong current, get out, or at least do not go in deep.

Never swim while you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Alcohol/drugs impair judgment and unnecessary risks are taken.

An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning.

Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are and where the best place to swim is……before entering the sea.

Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards (between the flags).

If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them.

Lookout and obey all warning signs.

A red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and you should only swim in the area between the flags.

Do not dive into shallow or unknown depth water – many paraplegics broke their necks by diving into shallow pools and dams.

Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the mornings, early evenings, or after it had rained as shark activity increases in these conditions.

Also do not swim when bluebottles are present as it won’t be a good day.

Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child – not even for five minutes.

Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

If a child is missing, check the water first.

Seconds count in preventing drowning or permanent disability.

Swimming aids, such as water wings or noodles, are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used instead of approved flotation devices.

Contact us to book your course.