So, we’ve nearly made it to the end of 2020.
Unsurprisingly, our entire nation seems to be indulging in a long, languid sigh of relief at the end of this tumultuous year, as we prepare for what we can only hope is a safe, socially-distanced South African Summer. But with our lockdown still in effect, many of us will be keeping it relatively low-key this festive season, and Staycations are set to be the order of the day.
Pool Safety in South Africa
We can empathise with those who have had to cancel year-end travel plans, but when one considers that the South African festive season is essentially a sun-soaked dream, we really don’t have that much to gripe about. Plus, if you have access to a pool, some good music, and even better some ice cold beverages, a Staycation can easily eclipse most Mediterranean jaunts (at a fraction of the cost, we might add).
But with your Summer plans sorted, put those dreams of lazy pool days on pause for a second. We need to talk about pool safety.
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Children under 5 make up 75% of all drownings in SA
According to Netcare 911; young children are the most vulnerable around pools. And recent news reports seem to back this up, with three toddlers drowning in a public pool in Limpopo earlier this year, and a three-year-old drowning in a Joburg pool as recently as October. When one considers that young children tend to be poor swimmers, and that it can take just 20 seconds for someone to drown, it’s not surprising that we see this terrible trend. Adult supervision is essential, and it can prevent these tragic accidents, but when looking away for just a minute can be the difference between life and death, is that good enough?
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African regions account for 20% of global drowning
This may not seem like a significant percentage, but, coupled with a drowning mortality rate of 13.1 per 100 000 population, it’s a cause for concern. And with our sweltering African climates leading to regular participation in water-based activities, despite a distinct lack of pool and swimming training available for young children, and sorely lacking adult supervision, it’s a recipe for disaster. Even with adult supervision and safety measures in place, the risk of drowning is ever-present when children are around water. Who can forget the tragic case of Enoch Mpianzi, the 13-year-old Parktown Boys High pupil who drowned on a school orientation camp, under the supposed watchful eye of camp counsellors and teachers?
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Drowning is the fifth leading cause of death in SA
In a country with one of the highest murder rates in the world, untenably high road accident deaths, and numerous other risk factors that make SA a pretty dangerous place to live, comparatively speaking, drowning still manages to take that infamous fifth spot. While many of these deaths can be attributed to bodies of water other than swimming pools, the fact is, a pool in a home with young children or pets is an undeniable risk factor, and if it’s not fenced off or securely covered, you’re tempting fate!
Does this mean I should drain my pool and play in the sprinklers for the sake of safety?
Nope. Fortunately for you water babies out there, supplementing your pool safety standards and enjoying peace of mind this Summer is relatively simple.
They say the best cure is prevention, and this holds true for a pool. After all, if your little ones (human or fur variety) can’t gain unsupervised access to your pool, the chances of drowning are dramatically reduced, if not eliminated entirely. Obviously, you don’t want to skimp on safety for the sake of style and aesthetic considerations, so you’ll want a solution that isn’t unsightly and suits your space, right?
With Steel Studio’s custom-designed, manufactured, and installed pool enclosures and balustrades, protecting your pool doesn’t mean sacrificing your style. Following contemporary and functional design principles, with the highest safety standards in mind, Steel Studio has been building and installing world-class pool enclosure systems, including self-closing gates, for decades, and our reputation is unmatched.
We cater to all design considerations and layouts, utilising a range of stainless steel, glass, and even gorgeous frameless designs. Plus, we’re committed to our principles of sustainable business practices, using recyclable stainless steel and implementing numerous measures to reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible.
So, if you’re looking for peace of mind as stainless as our steel this Summer, chat to us about a custom pool enclosure solution that defies your expectations: https://www.steelstudio.co.za/contact/.