Kidsafe Victoria and Life Saving Victoria have highlighted the importance of pool safety for toddlers on the eve of Melbourne Cup, a day where many Australians gamble with a bet on the horses. 

Don’t Gamble With Your Childs Life: Check the Pool Gate before the horses bolt is the message for parents and home owners on Cup Day, who are urged to use this time to ensure the pool gate and fence are in good condition and operating properly. 

Dr Mark Stokes President of Kidsafe Victoria and Guy Britt from Life Saving Victoria said the safety of pool gates and fencing was a daily issue.

Dr Stokes said, “The winter weather and rain can lull people into a false sense of security as people mainly think about swimming pools and their safety in summer- however often this can be too late.

Many homeowners aren't aware that significant weather events, like the summer storms that are common across Australia, may weaken the pool fence. So after storms you should do a thorough check to make sure nothing has come loose."

In 2008-09 in Australia, 33 children under five drowned- of these, almost 50% lost their lives in a backyard swimming pool.

“This can occur because the fence gate either wasn't properly secured or toddlers were able to find a way through gaps. These gaps can emerge as a result of wear-and-tear that homeowners either hadn't noticed or had put off repairing,” advised Mr Britt.

A fully functional fence and self-closing gate, along with vigilant adult supervision are the best ways to prevent childhood drowning.

Dr Stokes said,” Pool fencing should be checked regularly to ensure it isn't climbable and is in good repair. Make sure there are no loose palings and no gaps under or through the fence.”

Both Kidsafe and Life Saving Victoria encourage all home owners to download the pool fencing checklist from http://www.homepoolsafety.com.au and check their pool gate and fence before the big race on Cup Day.