Hot tub safety and security guidance
Andy Slater- 2 days ago
BISHTA is highlighting hot tub safety guidance for parents with young children along with encouraging retailers to be proactive with customer education on access security.
Responding to a storyline on ITV’s ‘Coronation Street’, BISHTA has been reminding parents to always supervise children near hot tubs and locations where water is present. The association has strongly recommended that all owners ensure their safety cover is on their hot tub when it is not in use and also taken the opportunity to highlight its advice that children under the age of four should not enter a hot tub, due to the fact that they are generally not tall enough to be seated with their heads above water.
It has also been revealed by BISHTA that its members will include a suitable lockable safety cover with every hot tub purchase. If any owners are unsure whether their hot tub has a suitable safety cover, then they are being advised by the association to get in touch with their nearest BISHTA member for professional guidance.
There are generally water safety campaigns during the summer months, but the latest awareness action has been taken following a recent episode of the ITV soap in which six-year-old Bertie Osbourne notices his football near an uncovered hot tub and reaches over for it, accidentally falling in. This puts him at risk of drowning but, fortunately, he is quickly found without any harm done.
BISHTA has stated that this storyline serves as a timely reminder for all owners to ensure that their hot tubs and swim spas are never left unsupervised when the safety cover is taken off the water. By remaining vigilant, and under supervision, young children can avoid harm if they get too close to the water.
As part of its awareness initiatives to prospective owners, BISHTA has also been promoting the message that hot tubs can bring all generations of family members together. From bonding with children, pictured, and loved ones, through quality time spent conversing, to making special memories under the stars, the association has proclaimed that a hot tub creates a space for quality time, and fun.
BISHTA has acknowledged that buying a hot tub, swim spa, or exercise spa is a significant investment, but by choosing top quality products and professional services from one of its members; who adhere to stringent industry standards, prioritising consumer protection and water safety; it can ensure that they will be committed to customer safety, satisfaction, and long-term water wellness benefits and enjoyment.
According to BISHTA Chair Dorian Davies, hot tubs provide a fantastic way to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones and, when used responsibly, they remain a safe and enjoyable addition to any home. On behalf of the association, Dorian is also encouraging all hot tub owners to use appropriate covers correctly and always supervise children around water to prevent accidents.
“BISHTA recognises that this portrayal in Coronation Street may raise concerns among some potential or existing customers,” said Dorian; “It is crucial to reassure buyers that, as long as they follow the safety advice provided, there are unlikely to ever be any incidents.
“Customers are further reminded of the advice from BISHTA that children under the age of four should not enter a hot tub, as they are typically not tall enough to sit on the seat with their heads above water, and so may present a risk of drowning.
“There are other reasons, unrelated to drowning risk, that are also relevant for why small children (under the age of four years old should not be encouraged into the hot tub). These reasons include the water temperature, which can have an adverse effect if it exceeds 35°C, due to the children not having a fully developed thermoregulation of their bodies.
“For the same reason, cold water immersion is also not recommended (but here, the advice is to include all children under the age of 16 unless they are under direct medical supervision).
“Retailers can reassure customers by emphasising that warm or cold water immersion can be safely undertaken following consumer guidance.
“Education is key; by proactively informing customers about responsible warm water (and cold water) immersion, and child safety, we can ensure that families feel confident in using these wellness products, thereby reaping all the benefits that this type of bathing has to offer.”
