Do you know what to do at your pool in an earthquake?

Do you know what to do at your pool in an earthquake?

Before the 2010 Christchurch earthquake, common practice was in the event of an emergency including an earthquake, was to evacuate. 

However, trying to evacuate a school group out of the water proved to be more difficult than originally thought.

During the evacuation procedure in the earthquake many users suffered injuries from the strength of moving water hitting the sides of the pool and the waves overflowing onto the walkways made the unsteady ground even more difficult to keep balance.

This horrific event then forced a change in tactic on Emergency Action Plans for swimmers and teachers in the water.

The following has been implemented as best practice by many swim schools and schools with pools:

•          Ongoing education on Emergency Action Plan at the pool
•          Create a secure huddle with your group, hold on tight
•          Stay away from the pool ends and sides until the shaking has stopped and the waves have subsided enough to evacuate safely
•          Follow the directions of the lifeguards / teachers
•          Continue Emergency Action Plan

Many schools with pools in Christchurch have an Earthquake Box for each class which contain a survival blanket and a woollen hat for each child in preparation of minimising the effects of shock and hypothermia.

Preparation is the key – Get Ready!

Photo: Students from Henderson Intermediate staying away from the pool sides during the Shakeout earthquake drill. 15/10/2015