Over the past five years more than 150 Australian children under the age of five drowned.
While all of these drowning deaths are preventable, it is the 50 per cent that occur in home swimming pools that are of the most concern. To prevent such incidents, your immediate action makes a big difference when you are diligent around your home swimming pool.
Home pool fencing and effective supervision can reduce these tragic drowning deaths to zero.
Royal Life Saving is targeting every home pool owner with a basic reminder to check, fix and maintain their home pool and surrounds this summer in order to eliminate child drowning.
Pool owners should consider getting a professional assessment of their pool’s compliance in order to ensure your pool is safe for all users.
Following are some handy tips you can follow to start getting your pool ready for the summer swimming season:
- Swimming pool gate must open outward from pool
- It must be self closing and self latching
- Never prop a gate open – no matter for how short a time period. Accidents can happen in a millisecond
- The fence should be secure and in good working order and should be at least 1.2m high with no vertical gaps more than 100mm apart
- Pool aids and toys should be stored securely and out of view
- Objects that could be used to climb the fence should be removed from the area
- You should always be within arms’ reach of any child under five years of age
- Do not leave older children to supervise younger children when they are using the pool, an adult should always be supervising children
- During parties, you should assign an adult designated ‘child supervisor’ for duties around the pool
- Ensure all pool users (including supervising adults) know where and how to switch off the pool/spa pump system in case of an emergency
- Ensure you or your family members have up to date Resuscitation and First Aid skills
- Have a First Aid Kit handy
- Display a current Resuscitation Sign in the pool area
- Chemicals should be stored securely, out of view and out of children’s reach and you should use protective equipment (gloves, goggles) when handling pool chemicals.
While these may seem like simple guidelines that may not necessarily apply to you or your family, take the time out to check you have covered all these requirements to ensure a happy and safe summer for you and your family. Visit royallifesaving.com.au for more tips and regulations.
