As the weather warms portable [inflatable] pools are a popular choice for many families looking to cool off in the backyard. However, not many people realise these pool require a fence and if not properly secured can pose a serious danger to children.
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“Many parents may not be aware of the legal requirement in most states and territories to fence a pool deeper than 30cm, including portable pools. If you’re planning on using or buying a portable pool this summer, consider how you can Make it Safe,” Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr said
Young children are naturally curious and want to explore, so Kidsafe has asked South Coast parents to check the safety of their pool fence before their child does.
A recently released report by Royal Life Saving National, Drowning Report 2016, found a 30 per cent decrease in drowning deaths among children under five in Australia. Although this is encouraging, parents cannot afford to be complacent.
Of the 21 deaths in this age group, over half (52 per cent) occurred in swimming pools, making the backyard pool (including portable pools) the leading location for drowning in this age group.
The majority of these incidents were the result of a child falling into water (81 per cent).
Over the last ten years, more than 150 children aged under five-years have drowned in swimming pools, more than any other location. Many of these incidents occurred in portable pools, while parents were momentarily distracted.
The portable pool safety campaign calls on people who own, or are considering purchasing a portable swimming pool, to be aware of these five simple safety steps:
- Check with your local council regarding fencing requirements.
- Ensure you always actively supervise children within arms’ reach whenever they are in, or around the water.
- Never rely on older children to supervise younger children, no matter how confident you are about their ability to supervise the younger child.
- For smaller pools – ensure you empty them and put them away when you are finished with them.
- Always store portable pools safely away from young children. Ensure the pool cannot fill with rain water or water from sprinklers.
For more information on the Make It Safe campaign, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/makeitsafe.
Visit www.youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust for water safety videos and share to save a life.
The Kidsafe ‘Closing the Gate on Backyard Pool Drowning’ campaign calls for all pool and spa owners to check the safety of their pool and spa barriers this weekend, in the lead up to the summer months.
For more information please visit www.kidsafe.com.au.