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As the weather warms up it is time to get out to the backyard pool.
Now is a good time to make sure that all the correct safety measures are in place to make sure all the family can enjoy a cool-off safely.
The quality, maintenance and correct use of pool fencing has been identified as a key concern by the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia, Kidsafe.
With thousands of barbecues and pool parties expected to be held across the country this summer, Kidsafe has called on all pool owners to help 'close the gate on backyard pool drowning', in a bid to reduce the number of toddler drowning deaths.
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Kidsafe Victoria acting CEO Jason Chambers highlighted the importance of regularly checking and maintaining pool barriers to ensure that they are in proper working order.
“All pool and spa fencing will experience exposure to extremes of weather and wear and tear over time including rust, missing bolts or screws and damage. Therefore it is important that it is regularly checked and maintained,” he said.
“Evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths in pools are as a result of fencing that is faulty or non-compliant with Australian Standards.”
The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia's National Drowning report showed that over half of all toddler drowning incidents in 2015/16 occurred in backyard pools.
It is important to remember that, for every drowning death, there are a many more non-fatal drownings which can cause serious ongoing health problems for children.
Prevent backyard pool drowning incidents by taking the following steps:
- Supervise: Actively watch children at all times. Do not leave children in the care of an older sibling, as children can be easily distracted.
- Remain within an arm’s reach at all times: This will ensure you are there to help in time if something goes wrong. If you need to leave the pool area for any reason, whether it is to answer the phone or the door or check on the oven, take the children with you.
- Restrict access: Use safety barriers such as pool fencing. Do not prop any doors or gates open that allow children access to the pool area. Create a safe play area for children away from the backyard pool.
- Check fence: Make sure it meets standards and that its catch is firm and secure.
- Prevent climbing: Remove hazards such as pot plants and chairs from pool fences to stop children climbing on to them and using them as a boost to scale the pool fence.
- Teach children water safety: Water familiarisation is valuable in teaching children to swim and understand how to be safe in and around the water.
- Learn to resuscitate: Do not be caught out. If you have a pool in your backyard, make sure you know what to do should the worst happen.
Visit kidsafe.com.au for more information about pool safety.
