| Whether you swim to relax or keep fit it is recognized | | | | that swimming pools have procedures and fail safe |
| that swimming is an important skill to have. This article | | | | communication systems in place for members of staff |
| looks at how modern technology is making our | | | | to stay in touch and communicate an accidents or |
| swimming pools, sports and leisure centers safer | | | | incidents that may happen. |
| places. | | | | One such system is the new waterproof two way |
| Picture the scene, you are with friends at the local | | | | radio systems. Being waterproof of course is ideal for |
| swimming baths when one of your friends slips when | | | | use by lifeguards and swimming assistants. The good |
| attempting to dive into the pool and bangs their head. | | | | news for leisure centers is that they can take |
| Help is likely to be available in the form of a lifeguard | | | | advantage of these waterproof 2 way radios pool |
| but the fact is despite swimming pools generally being | | | | side and also have other types of radio communication |
| safe, regulated environments, there are still about 15 | | | | system like the Kenwood TK3201 will is an ideal |
| deaths by drowning in swimming pools each year. | | | | safety and communication system for all types of |
| When you realize that in Great Britain each year there | | | | business. |
| are about 350 million visits to public swimming pools as | | | | Traditionally, Two Way Radio has been used as a |
| well as visits to pools at leisure clubs, gyms, hotel, | | | | safety and communication tool in businesses including |
| holiday parks and at home it is safe to say most | | | | factories, schools and retail outlets where their staff |
| swimming pools are a safe environment. However, 15 | | | | need to stay in touch over a wide area whilst also |
| deaths by drowning is 15 deaths too many so if | | | | having no call charges. And with the new waterproof |
| anything can be done to reduce this figure whilst also | | | | 2 way radios, swimming pools and sports centers can |
| providing improved health and safety practices to | | | | make sure their staff stay in touch and can |
| pools and leisure centers then surely they would take | | | | immediately report accidents and other incidents. Not |
| it. Well the good news for swimming pools, hotels and | | | | only will this increase their safety and performance but |
| other leisure facility providers is that modern two way | | | | it will also ensure that if an incident does happen in their |
| radio can now be used to improve their health and | | | | pool they can report it immediately and steps can be |
| safety. | | | | taken to ensure serious incidents and possible fatalities |
| The Government has recognized that it is essential | | | | can be prevented. |
| that children learn about the principles and skills of | | | | With so many people and children in particular using |
| water safety and survival, which is why swimming is a | | | | swimming pools, leisure and sports centre managers |
| compulsory component of the PE curriculum in primary | | | | and owners now have the option to make their |
| schools. By the age of 11 all children must be able to | | | | facilities as safe as possible with two way radios like |
| safely swim a minimum of 25 meters. | | | | the Kenwood TK3201 Radio which are available from |
| So with more children swimming at an early age and | | | | companies like Apex Radio Systems Ltd. As business |
| with the London Olympic Games in 2012 no doubt likely | | | | owners there is nothing as important as the safety of |
| to fuel further interest in sport, leisure and keep fit, | | | | our staff and customers so modern technology is now |
| there is every chance more and more leisure centers | | | | available that can make your business safe and not |
| and swimming pools will be required. It is therefore vital | | | | sorry. |