It is essential that you supervise children at all times whether they are near the pool or other bodies of water. Children are naturally curious – they are drawn to water. They can easily overbalance and topple in, so supervision around water is an absolute necessity.

Ask yourself these questions?

• When using the pool are you always within arm’s reach of any child under 5 years of age?
• Are you aware of the dangers of leaving older children to supervise younger children in the pool?

During parties or social gatherings, do you always have a designated ‘child supervisor’ around the pool who is ready to respond?

Laurie Lawrence