The rising drowning toll of toddlers, which is forecast to increase by 20% in a new report by the Royal Life Saving Society, has prompted a call for a special week in Australia’s calendar to promote Backyard Swimming Pool Safety.

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and Kidsafe Victoria said, Pool Gate Week would provide an annual focus for all pool owners and visitors with toddlers to have the safety message reinforced. 

Professor Mark Stokes, President Kidsafe Victoria and Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre said, Pool Gate Week would be used to focus national attention on pool fencing maintenance and pool safety procedures including parental supervision.

In a joint statement the two organisations said pool safety for children is a constant issue for families with pools 365 days a year and unfortunately people can become complacent about the family pool and the danger it represents, especially to toddlers who drown quickly and silently.

We believe a national approach should be taken to this issue with State and Federal Governments pooling resources to create an ongoing national program throughout the year with Pool Gate Week as a major focus on pool gate and fencing maintenance.

Mr Caulfield said that Archicentre carries out up to twenty thousand pre-purchase housing inspections every year and pool safety fencing and efficient pool gate operation is only one part of the story.  The deadly practice of stacking objects next to pool fences where children can climb over into the pool area is a situation all pool owners need to prevent.   

“Visitors with toddlers to homes that have pools should ensure that they are under constant supervision and cannot get near the swimming pool. 

“Home owners should constantly monitor the safety conditions around their swimming pools to ensure the fencing and pool safety gates are operating correctly,” Mr Caulfield said.   

Pool Safety Information available at http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/pdf/watersafety.pdf

Media Enquiries:
Professor Mark Stokes President Kidsafe Victoria Mobile: 0408 038 267
Aleks Natora Victorian Manager Kidsafe Victoria Mobile: 0419 836 244
Robert Caulfield Managing Director Archicentre Mobile: 0412 381 306
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Kidsafe Mobile: 0417 329 201