Pool Toy Safety Tips and Swimming Pool Safety

We have tried to find an interesting range of pool toys that you kids will enjoy, but please remember all floatation toys should be used under competent supervision.

Children must never be left unsupervised in the water.

Choosing your pool toys carefully can prevent many accidents.

Every parent wants their child, or children, to be safe.   Every house that has children, especially young children, will inevitably have child proofing all over -  where children play, and the things they play with.  Toys are checked for age appropriateness, safety hazards, and recalls.  But one place often overlooked is the pool – yet the same safety rules should apply to pool toys that apply to all other toys. Careful planning before purchasing and careful checking before play can prevent many accidents.

 In the pool, parents’ worst fear is drowning, but there are other hazards of pool time play.  Cuts, bruises and sometimes choking can all happen from broken, or worn out pool toys.

When purchasing pool toys or diving toys for children consider the following safety tips and precautions:

-  Use the labels on the toy - they often give appropriate age recommendations and instructions for appropriate use.  Usually they will provide warnings of possible injuries.

- Always select toys that are appropriate for the age and skill level of the child you are buying for. Toys for older children may look easy to play with, but  may have parts that are unsafe for a small child.

-  Avoid small parts on toys intended for children who still put objects in their mouth.

-  Inspect the construction of the toy. All attached parts should be tightly secured, seams in inflated toys should be tight, weighted toys that contain sand or other materials should not leak, and overall construction should be sound and sturdy.

-  Before playing with last year’s toys, be sure all to check that pool toys are in good condition. Toys that are left out in the sun can become brittle and dangerous, although they may appear to be fine on a casual glance.   A good check-over can prevent many accidents.

-  On inflatables, check all seals, plugs, and seams for leaks.  A deflating toy can be very dangerous and may cause suffocation or choking accidents.

-  Check for any edges that may have become exposed on hard plastic toys such as diving sticks. Children can easily get cut on rough plastic edges.

-  If you’ve stored your toys over the winter, check for any mould or mildew that may have grown on the toy. Moulds and mildews can cause problems for children with allergies, as well as causing a variety of illnesses.  A simple clean with warm, soapy water will usually cure the problem and remove any spores.

-  Check to see if any toys are leaking anything that may be inside of them. Some pool toys are weighted with beads that small children may choke on.  Also check that hollow toys weren’t stored with water inside them, as this will now be stagnant and if ingested could cause serious illness.

 Safety should be a high priority while playing with pool toys.

- Watch toys to be sure they do not deflate while in use.

- Do not let children play with broken toys, remove them as soon as they break to prevent injury.

- Do not rely on "floaties" to protect your child. Floatation devices are NOT designed, or approved, as  life preservers.   Even a swim vest, or jacket may cause injury if not used properly.

 - After pool play, be sure to check toys over once again for possible safety hazards.  

- When storing pool toys, be sure to dry them properly to prevent mould or mildew growth.

Despite carefully checking of your pool toys and deeming them them safe for your children, nothing replaces the careful supervision of an adult.

 Never, ever, leave your child, or children, alone in a pool.

General Pool Safety Rules:

Remember:  Check with your council for Government Pool Safety Rules.  These are in place for a reason, not just to annoy you!

In your own pool

1. Remember to shut the pool gate
2. Always enter the water safely
3. Don't push others in
4. Don't leave your toys in the pool, they could attract younger children
5. Empty all buckets and paddling pools after playing
6. Don't go out of your depth

Have fun!