Kidsafe Victoria and Life Saving Victoria have released a downloadable safety information pack for retailers, warning of the dangers of unfenced inflatable swimming and paddling pools.

The pack advises retailers/consumers that any swimming, wading, paddling or spa pool with a depth of water greater than 300mm (30cms or approximately 1 foot), is required to be enclosed with a childproof Safety  Barrier complying with Australian Standards.  Owners should also be aware that a Building Permit is required to be obtained from a registered Building Surveyor before a Safety Barrier can be installed.

Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said, “The pack ensures retailers have access to consistent information, enabling them to pass this on to their consumers. Anyone who purchases an above ground or inflatable pool over 300mm (30 cms) deep, is legally required to place a complying Safety Barrier around it to protect their children.”

Inflatable and above-ground swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular with families as they initially appear to be a cheap way to keep the kids cool over summer, and the water bill down. Pools up to 900mm in depth (90 cms or three feet deep) can be purchased for a couple of hundred dollars and set up within minutes.

With one toddler death in Victoria attributed to a removable, temporary pool in the last year, Kidsafe and Life Saving Victoria are concerned this number will increase if there is not adequate public education around the dangers of these and requirements for Safety Barriers.

CEO of Life Saving Victoria, Nigel Taylor, said, “All promotional materials pertaining to above ground pools including websites, packaging and brochures, should carry the CLEAR MESSAGE that the planning and building LAWS in Victoria will require the pool being sold to be enclosed with a complying Safety Barrier  before being filled.” 

Kidsafe and Life Saving Victoria have called for a coordinated campaign on Pool Fencing Safety Awareness including the mandatory labeling requirements for all pools being sold to carry the message. Wording such as, “This Pool Requires an Australian Standards Safety Barrier in Order to be Legally Installed in Victoria,” should be included on all packaging, advertising and websites promoting inflatable swimming pools.

“Some retailers presently advise consumer to ‘check with your local council for pool fencing legislation”- this is not good enough and needs to emphasise that fencing is compulsory for any pools with a depth greater than 30cms,” condemned Dr Stokes.

Both organisations called for the government to review current advertising legislation and tighten requirements to provide retailers and customers with clarity.