Conference moira::parenting

775.0. "Wading Pool Safety" by ASABET::CARROLL_E () Mon Jul 11 1994 13:39

    Our day care center recently brought out wading pools for the kids to
    use during the summer.  My husband, who is an Environmental Engineer,
    asked what measures were being taken around sanitation.  He is all too
    aware of all the water-borne pathogens that could be floating around.
    
    Apparently, he was the first parent to ask the question because the 
    center's Director was momentarily stumped.  To her credit, she gratefully 
    accepted and agreed to institute the following measures.
    
    They are from the Office for Children, which does not issue regulations 
    on wading pools but does work with local Boards of Health to establish 
    guidelines.  They are pretty simple...
    	- Pools should be emptied, cleaned and refilled at least once a day
    	  (Obviously, if someone has an accident, it would be more often)
    	- The daily cleaning should be done with bleach
    	- Kids with open cuts should not be allowed in the pool
    	- There shouldn't be enough water in the pool to allow the kids to
    	  drink mouthfuls of it.
    	- All pools should be VERY CLOSELY and CONTINUOUSLY monitored
    
    I would recommend asking home care providers to follow the same
    guidelines, especially if more than one kid is using the pool.
    
    Elaine