Abu Dhabi Week, Aramex and HAAD get behind initiative
As the summer descends upon us in earnest, Yas Waterworld and Back to Basics launches a safe pool party campaign in partnership with Aramex, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and Abu Dhabi Week to generate awareness on the high numbers of drowning incidents across the region.
A government endorsed organisation, Back to Basics UAE provides education, and aims to raise awareness on child injury prevention and paediatric first aid to communities across the UAE.
Pool party information ‘packs’ are now available to residents of Abu Dhabi, which Aramex has agreed to deliver free of charge to all those who apply. Alternatively a downloadable version is available through
the site www.backtobasicsuae.com and also at AbuDhabiWeek.ae.
After traffic related injuries, drowning is one of the main casues of fatal accidents for children across the UAE.
“The most obvious prevention method is to supervise children closely when around any kind of water even if they are perceived as strong swimmers,’’ says Tracy Fountain, founder of Back to Basics.
The summer months in the UAE entices parents to base childrens’ activities around the swimming pools to keep them cool whilst having fun, but many of these parties are held without proper planning and adequate supervision.
If you are planning a pool party it’s essential to identify the swimming abilities of all the children and also the adults that intend to supervise the children.
Another key point Tracy makes is that rescue equipment should be kept next to the pool, even if this is a private pool in a villa compound.
“You should always make sure you have a fully charged mobile with you around the pool in case you need to call for help
If your home help is left to supervise children in a home with a pool, ensure you check her swimming ability. Also, ensure the pool is always safely secured when not in use and that everyone at home is aware of these safety measures and why they are so important.
Having someone at home with current First Aid Skills can prove to be lifesaving in a drowning incident as there is a very small window of intervention to increase the chance of survival and that is at the scene. At times like this every second counts and waiting for emergency services to arrive can often be too late.
To request your free Yas Waterworld pool party pack call 04 3713356 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Packs are available in Arabic and English.
