Concluding lap at Hittfelder Outdoor Swimming Pool: swimming season draws to a close on September 1st
The Hittfeld Indoor Pool, a swimming facility located within the Seevetal Municipality, is set to reopen its doors to the public on September 2, 2023. This announcement was made by Anke Wahne, a member of the Baths and Lakes Administration of the Seevetal Municipality.
Ms. Wahne encourages everyone to visit the Hittfeld Swimming Pool, even on cloudy days, as the pool tends to be less crowded during such weather. She also highlighted that the pool will be closed on September 1, 2023, marking the last opportunity for swimmers to enjoy the facility this season.
However, the reopening of the Hittfeld Indoor Pool comes amidst concerns about parental supervision lapses in swimming pools, a trend that has been observed at the Hittfeld outdoor pool as well. The German Swimming Pool Association e.V. has identified this issue, and the Seevetal Municipality, as the operator of the Hittfeld Swimming Pool, is taking steps to raise awareness of potential dangers to children in a swimming pool.
To address this concern, several measures are being implemented. The focus is on enhancing adult supervision, physical safety barriers, education, and emergency preparedness.
Firstly, the importance of vigilant, active, and focused supervision around pools cannot be overstated. Parents and caregivers are urged to avoid distractions such as phones or books when children are near pools and to maintain close physical proximity, especially with younger kids. Designating a specific “Water Watcher” who actively monitors children in water is recommended.
Secondly, structural safety improvements are encouraged, particularly for residential pools where most child drownings occur. This includes installing four-sided isolation fencing with self-locking gates, securing pool ladders, removing pool toys from the deck, and installing alarms on doors leading to pools.
Thirdly, increasing education around water safety is a major component. Parents are urged to enroll children in swim lessons and CPR training, which is vital for emergency response. Awareness campaigns such as the Pool Safety Pledge and providing reminders like Water Watcher cards help maintain a culture of safety and accountability around pools.
Finally, safety protocols about pool chemical storage and handling also form part of the broader risk reduction strategy, as chemical-related emergencies contribute to injuries, especially in home pools. Proper chemical management and emergency preparedness are advised to prevent such accidents.
In conclusion, the emphasis is on multi-layered interventions combining vigilant supervision, physical safeguards, education, and readiness to respond to emergencies to reduce supervision lapses and prevent drownings in swimming pools.
It is not clear if the Hittfeld Swimming Pool's closure after September 1, 2023, is permanent or temporary. As for the Hittfeld Outdoor Pool, no information was provided about its reopening after September 1, 2023. The Seevetal Municipality aims to provide more details about these matters in due course.
Ms. Wahne suggests that, during their visit to the Hittfeld Indoor Pool, individuals may enjoy a quieter atmosphere on cloudy days. After the pool's closure on September 1, 2023, she plans to establish new initiatives aimed at bolstering safety measures for home-and-garden outdoor-living pools within Seevetal Municipality, focusing on improving adult supervision, physical safety measures, education, and emergency preparedness.
