Most of all pre-school drowning  occur in a home pool. This happens at the child's own home, when visiting a friend or relative or wandering through neighbouring properties.

Are you familiar with the law on fencing of pools and Spas?

But remember, even if your pool fencing does fully comply with the current Act, (Development and Planning Act 1974) you still have to remain alert.

Protect your children (and those in your neighbourhood) by observing the following suggestions:

• Post rules such as: No running," "No pushing," "No dunking" and "Never swim alone." Enforce the rules.

• Teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in the water. Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. Don't be distracted by doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversations. If you must leave the pool area, take the child with you, making sure the pool gate latches securely when it closes. During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the "watcher." When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.

• Keep toys out of and away from the pool area when not in use. Young children playing with or reaching for toys could accidentally fall in the water.

• Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under it. Remove the cover completely.

• Instruct baby sitters about potential pool hazards to young children and about the use of protective devices, such as door alarms and latches. Emphasize the need for constant supervision. Be sure the person watching your child knows how to swim, to get emergency help and to perform CPR.

• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface.

• The self latching gate is never propped open.

• Nothing is left lying around that could be used to climb over the fence.

• Fence and gate are in good working order. Gate latches should have no resistance to closure.

• There are non-skid surfaces on the sides of the pool, steps and ladders

• The spa pool cover is locked when the spa is not in use.

• The spa pool is equipped with dual drains and drain covers that are required by current safety standards.

• Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's crook or rescue tube) and a telephone with emergency numbers noted by the pool.

• Remember, no matter how good your fence and gate are there is no substitute for adequate supervision.

First Aid and Emergency Care

Courses are provided by any of the following three charitable organisations:
Bermuda Emergency Medical Technicians Association 291-0850
Bermuda Red Cross 236-8253 and St. John Ambulance Brigade 291-0808