Abu Dhabi Police stress need to monitor children in swimming pools

As part of their Safe Summer campaign, Abu Dhabi Police called on families to strengthen direct supervision of children while they are in swimming pools and to abide by prevention and safety procedures to reduce drowning incidents and injuries, thus contributing to providing a safe environment for children during the summer vacation.

Protecting children is a shared responsibility that begins with family awareness and continuous supervision and avoiding leaving children to swim alone, even for moments, are among the most important factors in preventing drowning accidents, they added, urging families to avoid being preoccupied with smartphones or any distractions while monitoring their children.

They underlined the importance of abiding by a number of preventive guidelines including supplying home swimming pools with a safe fence and tightly closed doors, using non-slip flooring, they said.

Families are also required to ensure that pools are equipped with appropriate safety measures, obligate children to wear life jackets or lifebuoys when needed and not allow them to use the pool without adult supervision, they added.

Meanwhile, the Community Policing Department urged parents and caregivers to learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills, given their vital role in handling emergencies until paramedics arrive.

It also underscored the importance of teaching children basic swimming skills and water safety techniques appropriate to their age, noting that abiding by these guidelines enhances children’s safety and protects them from the risk of drowning.