Pool safety

Safety legislation notwithstanding, swimming pools can be a source of risks for children, and for the under-fives in particular. You must fit your pool with some special equipment and follow a few golden rules. Whatever safety equipment is fitted, remember that there is no substitute for constant adult supervision.

Under French law, all pool owners are required to prevent unsupervised access to the pool by children under the age of five. Respect it.

The Act of 3 January, 2003 pertaining to swimming pool safety, consolidated by the implementing order of 31 December 2003, requires that in France and in French overseas departments and territories, all sunken or semi-sunken outdoor swimming pools be fitted with a safety system (i.e. an alarm, barrier, shelter or cover) that complies with applicable standards. This Act applies to all existing pools, irrespective of their use or year of construction. In application of Articles L128-1 and subsequent articles, and R128-1 and subsequent articles of the Construction Code, owners of pools built or installed after 1 January 2004 are required to have had them fitted with a system intended to prevent drowning accidents no later than when the pool is filled, or, if the work to install such accident prevention systems requires the pool to be filled in advance, no later than the date of completion of work for the pool.

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Even if your pool is fitted with the best safety systems, you are responsible for supervising your children. The figures speak for themselves - Children under five years of age are at the greatest risk. Accidents don't just happen to other people... Keep a close watch and heed the following recommendations:

• • NEVER ALLOW A CHILD TO APPROACH A POOL OR OTHER WATERHOLE UNACCOMPANIED
• • KEEP YOUR CHILD IN SIGHT AT ALL TIMES
• • Appoint one individual to be responsible for safety
• • Be especially vigilant when there are several people in the pool.
• • Teach your children to swim from an early age.
• • Wet your neck, legs and arms before entering the water
• • Learn basic lifesaving techniques, especially those that apply specifically to children
• • Do not allow diving or jumping when young children are present
• • Do not allow running or horseplay near the pool
• • Ensure that children who cannot swim are not allowed to enter the pool unaccompanied without a lifejacket or armbands
• • Do not leave toys in or near an unattended pool
• • Make sure the pool water is clean and clear at all times
• • Keep water treatment products out of the reach of children

Sensible precautions:

• • Have a telephone near the pool, so that you can telephone without leaving your children unsupervised
• • Keep a lifebelt and pole near the pool

In the event of an accident:

• • Remove the child from the pool as quickly as possible
• • Call the emergency services immediately and follow their instructions
• • Replace wet clothes with warm blankets
• • Commit the emergency telephone number(s) to memory and display near the pool
• • Fire brigade: 18 (France); 911 (USA & Canada); 999 (UK); 112 (EU & GSM)
• • Ambulance: 15 (France); 911 (USA & Canada); 999 (UK); 112 (EU & GSM)