Office Closed for the holidays. Pens down at school. Yes, sir and ma’am, it’s time for end-of-year festivities, where we head down to the coast, visit friends and family, or have a staycation at home! As usual this year, South Africans have hot sunny weather to look forward to, which means more time in the pool if you’re staying at home. But don’t let the temptation of cool and refreshing swims overshadow the need for ensuring the safety of your kids and dogs, and in some cases, even you! Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered and will let you know all the steps you can take to beef up that security, and, of course, your peace of mind. These include installing safety covers, fences and gate latches, and pool alarms. Let’s go through each of them.

• Safety covers. This is the first step you can take to protect both your little ones and your furry friends. They can even make your pool look great! Don’t go for flimsy tarps though, that are held in place by weights. These may be a great way to keep debris out of the pool, but they won’t bear the weight of a child or pet. Install one that is secured by springs or straps attached to anchor bolts around the pool. Pool safety over the holidays and, actually, all year round.

• Fences and gate latches. These are also great safety investments. Fence kits are modular so they can fit the exact size and shape of your pool. And gate latches may be made even more safe by securing them with a lock

• Pool alarms. A good system uses a sensor to detect any weight that enters the pool and sounds an alarm. They are a great way to save children, adults, and animals from harm.

• Don’t leave the young ones unsupervised. When it comes to your kids, you are the best lifeguard!

• Keep your house’s doors closed or locked. Kids explore and enjoy running around your home and garden. That makes them hard to keep track of. So, if you don’t have protective pool equipment, this is a must-do.

The South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS) has also been top of their game, and have updated their rules for protecting private swimming pools. According to their guidelines, a pool must have a safety net or cover and a fence. The cover must be professionally installed, and must be able to carry the weight of an adult. SABS also requires self-closing and lockable gates, and a pole, like your leaf scoop or brush, must be accessible to help swimmers in distress.

Now, let’s take a look at our furry friends. Pools can be just as dangerous for Fido as they are for your little ones. These guidelines should also apply to cats, parakeets, and rabbits, but let’s face it, none of them are likely to go for a swim. Ok, maybe your goldfish! Train your dog to swim. Don’t be tempted, though, to just chuck in your dog and let it work out swimming on its own. Take it gently, establish trust, and reduce panic, so the experience doesn’t completely freak it out. Nothing will be learned in that case. You can also join your dog in the water, and keep him happy while he’s paddling. And, while you’re about it, play fetch with a floating doggy toy. Try discouraging your dog from drinking pool water. Yes, it probably sees it as a giant drinking bowl, but the water contains harmful chemicals, so always have a fresh bowl of water on hand. Supervise your dog swimming. Don’t leave him to paddle forever, as an exhausted dog is one most at risk. Watch your dog whenever it’s in the pool. You don’t want it in the pool for hours as an exhausted dog is in danger of drowning. And since swimming can be hard work for a dog, give him some R&R after his paddle. Give him a quick bath after his aquatic adventure to get rid of harmful chemicals, even if it’s just a thorough hose-down. Take special care with old dogs. Irrespective of how much it loved to paddle in its prime, old dogs lose strength over the years. They’re also more likely to suffer from arthritis, deteriorated vision, and a long list of other ailments. You’ll be the best judge of this, but if in doubt, talk to your vet. The sun is out though, and the pool is like an oasis in the desert, so let’s face it, you and your family will be in it as soon as you can. And so you should be! Just follow safety guidelines, and everyone can swim with peace of mind. Even Rover! Happy holidays!

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