Safety in swimming pool

I plan to enrol my six-year old daughter in a swimming camp this summer. However, since she is young, I am very particular about choosing a good coaching centre. Can you give some tips on what to look for in a swimming pool?

First and foremost, the swimming pool must be licensed by the appropriate civic authority. This will ensure that the pool's design, construction and maintenance are in accordance with the relevant rules. In addition, you will need to ensure that the pool is safe for your child in all respects.. For that you need to check about the standards of hygiene maintained by the pool authorities in terms of regular cleaning, changing of water and disinfection.

There should also be a proper separation of deep and shallow parts of the pool so that young children and learners do not stray into the deeper part of the pool. Similarly, you need to check whether the pool has adequate number of trained coaches and lifeguards and whether they follow best practices to ensure the safety of every swimmer. For example, the pool should never be overcrowded and the number of swimmers at any given time should be restricted. The entry and exit of every person should be recorded. Lifeguards should be properly trained in first aid and there should be adequate first-aid facilities at the pool side and a doctor on call in case of an emergency. It is equally important to ensure that the pool and the surrounding area is properly lit and there is a constant watch on learners while they are in the pool. However, I would suggest that you or some other responsible adult accompany the child while she goes swimming and always keep an eye on her while she is in the pool. This is a safety precaution that is well worth taking.

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