Are Swimming Pools Safe?

by Mihai Pinzariu on September 24, 2019

Swimming pools are a world of fun for both kids and adults, but are they completely safe? From contamination to drowning, we hear a lot of stories about children being injured or losing their lives in or around swimming pools.

Public pools and private swimming pools each have their own set of characteristics that can pose some risks to children. The fact is, some caution needs to be exercised to make sure that swimming pools are safe for children.

Are swimming pools safe?

This question is difficult to answer as so many people use swimming pools everyday without death or injury, yet it’s clear that pools can be dangerous to small children. The fact is that swimming pools are an open body of water surrounded by concrete or tiles. It’s the open body of water, which poses a risk of suffocation or drowning, and the surrounding grounds, which can cause trips, slips, and falls, that cause the most hazards.

Essential swimming pool safety

When you hit the public pool you’re faced with a lot of signage explaining swimming pool safety and how to properly enter and exit the pool, walk around the wet grounds, and dive appropriately. These signs are there for a reason, and you must always pay special attention before taking your children or going for a swim yourself. It’s always good to read these signs – even if you’ve read them a million times – just to get a refresher and know what to look out for and keep an eye on while swimming.

When you have a swimming pool installed in your home, you will also be instructed on swimming pool safety and required to put up signage around your pool. Don’t think of these signs as some boring regulation that you need to adhere to, they are important to take note of to keep your swimming pool area safe.

Risks posed by swimming pools

So what are the risks posed by swimming pools, and how can you best mitigate these risks? Here are the biggest dangers that swimming pools can have:

  • Drowning – This is an obvious one and the scariest to imagine. Never, ever leave your children unsupervised in a swimming pool, and never put them in water that is too deep for them to feel comfortable. If your children are in the deep end of the pool, make sure they have their floaties or life jackets on. Another good tip to prevent drownings and help children breathe underwater is using a full face snorkel mask. This helps children breathe naturally as they would on land, so even if their face does get submerged, they can maintain natural breathing.
  • Slipping – Slipping on wet floors around a swimming pool is another big hazard that’s been known to occur. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to have signage around your pool instructing people to walk and not run. Sometimes it just takes a small glance at one of these signs to slow your pace and remember to take it easy around the pool. Another good idea is to have a set of swimming pool sandals or slippers that people can wear around the pool area. Go for something non-slip that will add a bit of friction and make floors less slippery.
  • Contamination – When it comes to public pools, there’s little you can do in terms of contamination besides make sure that you’re not adding to the issue. For your own private pool at home, there’s a lot that can be done to stop the water from being contaminated.Never swim after you currently have diarrhea, chickenpox, gastro, or athlete’s foot. Shower and wash your hands before entering the pool, and teach kids to never ‘go to the toilet’ in the water. If your children are young and not toilet-trained, make sure they’re wearing waterproof nappies in the pool. Teach children not to swallow the pool water, in case germs have gotten in, and exercise cleanliness around your pool as much as possible.
  • Diving injuries – Another common swimming pool injury is diving injuries, which can happen when people dive into a part of the pool that is too shallow and hit their heads on the bottom. This is extremely dangerous and can cause a number of painful and long-term injuries, so children must be educated on the correct side of the pool to dive into (the deep side). For the best safety measures, don’t let children dive or jump into the pool without your supervision.
  • Chemicals – Occasionally, putting in too many chemicals, not enough chemicals, or leaving chemicals around children can lead to risk of injury. Too many chemicals in the pool is never healthy and can cause rashes, burning, or skin irritation. Always ensure you’re putting the right amount of chemicals in and using them correctly, adding the chemicals to the water and not vice versa. Store pool chemicals away from the pool in a hidden space out of reach of children. At the same time, consider your own safety and always mix chemicals while wearing gloves and goggles.

How to make swimming pools safer

Even though swimming pools pose a number of risks, there are kids out there everyday enjoying the wonders of being in the water and splashing around. Don’t let your kids miss out on the fun of swimming – just exercise some caution to make swimming pools safer for your children.

  • Supervision – The number one way to prevent injury around swimming pools is through constant supervision. Never let your eyes slip away from your kids for even a moment. That’s all it takes for them to do something silly. If your children are in the pool, put down your phone, book, and entertainment, and keep your eyes on them at all times. If you’re at a public pool, you can entrust a lifeguard, but it’s still important to be observant at all times.
  • Barriers – The last thing you want is for your children to sneak into the pool without you knowing, and that’s why barriers are essential around a swimming pool as part of Australian Law. Every pool must have adequate fencing that children cannot unlock themselves. This simple rule has helped prevent many deaths and injuries from kids simply wandering into the pool area and slipping into the water by themselves. Put up a barrier or a good fence, and have peace of mind that your kids aren’t subject to swimming pool dangers.

Stay informed and stay safe

If you have your own pool at home, make sure you’ve kept it up to appropriate standards by using this checklist here. Going through this checklist every few months will stave off any risks and keep your swimming pool safe.

Public pools have their own strict regulations, and staying safe is all about educating your children into following the rules and listening to the lifeguard’s instructions. Swimming pools are wonderful places for children to learn to swim and have a lot of fun, so mitigating the risks can give you a peace of mind while the kids play!


How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The Influencer @lud.around is a NINJASHARK lover!

NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs.

 
"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.





“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.
That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.
LEAVE A COMMENT

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published


Based on 1513 reviews
91%
(1371)
7%
(102)
1%
(20)
1%
(9)
1%
(11)
Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

The lenses were awesome, I was able to see and enjoy the snorkelling. Others tried mine and were amazed how good they were. As they were suctioned to the mask it made sure the mask was in the correct position on you face (not too high/low). Initially my lenses were a little tight to put together but they went in alright in the end :)

It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

We bought these snorkel masks as we were going on a tropical holiday which included snorkelling tours and we both hated breathing through traditional plastic snorkels shoved in our mouths. My partner in particular did not want to snorkel because of this. These snorkel masks are FANTASTIC and were GAME CHANGERS. We did several lots of snorkelling on our holiday and every time, we were able to lie in the water, breathe normally and focus on looking underwater without worrying about breathing. Even if you dive underwater with these masks, the valve blocks water from coming into your snorkel mask. I bought the premium Equaliser Pro with the ability to pinch your nose if diving and my partner bought the basic model. Both are fantastic products - comfortable, easy to wear and highly recommended. You need to fit it tightly but it's really comfortable in the water and doesn't leak. Even when you come up you don't need to take it off, just keep breathing normally. I loved snorkelling with this product and even my anti-snorkelling partner really enjoyed it and felt this mask was a game changer.

T
Lifetime Warranty
Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

Great product and even better customer service

J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

B
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
Lifetime Warranty
Robyn H. (Adelaide, AU)
Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Maureen R. (Townsville, AU)
Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

N
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Raffaele S. (Perth, AU)
Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️