This is an extract from the HQ BFC Background and Policy on the use of Temporary Swimming pools in SFA/SLA:

Over the past 12 months there have been 4 incidents involving children aged under 4 within temporary swimming pools located in the gardens of SFA within the SBA.   One has very tragically resulted in a fatality, 1 child remains hospitalised and the remaining 2 cases were near misses which so easily could have been much more serious.  In all of the cases post incident de-briefing indicates that the parents were fully aware of the dangers of swimming pools and their own parenting responsibilities however for whatever reasons the parents or guardians were distracted, specifically they were not in sight of their child and it is within those few minutes that a tragedy can occur.

Two of the incidents involved the child entering the pool using another object than the original pool ladder.  During the other two incidents the infant was already in the pool and being supervised.  It was the first 2 incidents that ended with tragic consequences and it is mainly upon those 2 incidents that lessons should be drawn, though for all 4 incidents the clear and underlying theme is that it is the parents or guardians of young children not old enough to swim and not old enough to comprehend the dangers of a pool who must be the most vigilant.  

All BFC/SBAA personnel who currently own, or who purchase in future temporary swimming pools are to ensure that the pool is registered with their HCSO office.  At the time of registration personnel will receive written guidance as to pool safety and a copy of the HQ BFC policy on use of temporary swimming pools.  Personnel seeking advice on whether to install a temporary swimming pool within the grounds of their SFA/SLA should seek guidance in the first instance from their HCSO who will contact C2 SHE, HQ BFC, if further guidance is deemed necessary.

The first thing you should do before purchasing a pool is visit the HIVE and find out information on the following:

1. Station provided swimming pool time table;
2. Water sports activities;
3. Health risks of temporary swimming pools;
4. Details of temporary pool providers;
5. Details of water suppliers (business license holders).

PROBLEMS WITH TEMPORARY POOLS?

Improperly managed temporary pools expose your children, family and friends to four types of risks:

   1. Improper chemical levels, leading to irritation or (rarely) injury.
   2. Improper sanitation, allowing the growth of germs in the pool, resulting in
      pool-to-person disease transmission.
   3. Improper sanitation, allowing person-to-person disease transmission.
   4. Improper supervision of the children, resulting in drowning.

Improper chemical levels caused by overdosing with pool chemicals. Temporary pools require tiny doses - would most commonly lead to non-serious rashes, eye burns, red and itchy skin, and the like. But, more serious problems are possible. You must learn to use the RIGHT dose!

Possible pool-to-person infections include non-life-threatening problems, such as ear and skin infections caused by Psuedomonas aeruginosa and other common organisms. Serious infection are possible, but I would guess that they are uncommon.

Person-to-person infections are another matter.

A multitude of minor to moderate infections can, and almost certainly do, result, leading to colds, pink eye, bronchitis, gut problems (nausea and diarrhoea) and more. Much more serious infections, including giardiasis, cryptosporidiasis, and dangerous infections from hemolytic strains of E. Coli can result from fecal contamination (poo!) of temporary pools.

Finally, you must remember that your child can drown in even a few inches of water. According to some sources, a small child can become unconscious and stop breathing after as little as 15 second submersion and only their face has to be submerged, for this to happen. Unfortunately these sad occurrences have happened in BFC, think very seriously do you need a temporary pool!

POOL SAFETY GUIDELINES

If you choose to own a pool it is your responsibility to ensure that unauthorised access cannot occur especially for young children (under 4 years of age).

Ensure that unauthorised access cannot be made by partitioning the pool off with safety devices such as railings or netting (available commercially) when not being used.

Educate your children on the dangers associated with swimming pools.

When a pool is in use appropriate, constant and vigilant supervision needs to be provided by a responsible person. 

Buoyancy aids should be worn if the individual is not a competent swimmer but these should not be relied upon as a primary safety measure.

The pool owner should ensure that any cover used should be suitably secure and robust enough to prevent access (standard pool covers are normally only to provide weather barriers).

Avoid over exposure to the sun when in the pool and take regular breaks in the shade.

Empty the pool when not in use for long periods of time, collapse and store in safe place (to avoid filling by rain water).

This list is not exhaustive and is provided for guidance and is without prejudice, owners should make their own risk assessment when considering purchasing and locating a temporary swimming pool.