toddler safety around water

[babyjames]

Hi,
I'm looking for the best thing to keep my 14 month old safe around the swimming pool on holiday. We are going to Cyprus in 2 weeks and our appartment has a garden and pool area is not fenced. I'd like to know peoples opinions on the best thing to keep him safe. I want him to be able to play without the constant fear of him falling in and drowning! Armbands seem a bit bulky and swim vests are quite big!

Any advice most welcome
Many thanks for reading

The best thing you can do is have the eyes of a hawk and the ability to be vigilant!...dont turn your back for a minute....
Swim vest is a must.... and when a the poole arm bands that baby cant pull off.
Unless you are with him by the pool, keep him safe with doors shut, strapped into buggy if you are busy doing something or playing in cot for a little while whilst you unpack or what ever.
This situation sounds rather risky, so be oh, so careful.
I do hope you have lovely holiday and little one too...
Best of luck...

Most arm bands or swim vests you can deflate, don't have to be bulky en route.

I ment bulky on the child as he is only a small 14 month old. Thanks for your replys. Any advice to which arm bands or swim vests are best for smaller toddlers?

agree with jellyvodkas, the absolute BEST way of keeping him safe is vigilance, so even if you have plenty of safety gear don't let it lull you into a false sense of security!

can't advise on brands of swim vest or anyrthing tho as never used one, but hopefully others will be able to recommend some

You can get splash alarms which sound if they are immersed in water. Expensive - but depends what price you put on safety.

The downside to safety devices etc. is the possibility of being lured into a false sense of security - the best defence is your constant supervision.

We did have this problem last year with an unfenced pool, and ended up barricading the access from the sun terrace with some sun loungers. The Spanish owners probably thought we were bonkers, but I couldn't relax - didn't even step inside the villa for a drink or towel if the kids were outside, even when not by the pool.

This one is much cheaper, I think because the device itself makes the noise rather than a base station located elsewhere.

yes I will be very viguant and am lifeguard trained so know the risks! Thanks Purvey for the alarm link I will def be getting one.
Still any advice on arm bands and vests for smaller children be great thanks

have a look here
www.gb-sports.co.uk/polyotter.html