For the first time since 2010, swimming pools have overtaken beaches as the location with the second highest number of drowning deaths.
With thousands of BBQ’s and pool parties expected to be held across Victoria this summer, Kidsafe Victoria have called on all pool owners to help ‘Close the Gate on Backyard Pool Drowning’ this Water Safety Week, in a bid to reduce the number of toddler drowning deaths.
The warning comes as recent figures from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia show that 70% of toddler drowning incidents in 2013/14 occurred in backyard swimming pools.
Kidsafe Victoria Project Manager, 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”, said Mr Chambers.
The VBA’s Director of Technical and Regulation, Jarrod Edwards, noted that aside from safety concerns, there were also financial penalties for not having a compliant pool/spa safety barrier.
“Any pool or spa owner who doesn’t comply with swimming pool fencing regulations is putting their family and friends at risk. They also risk fines of more than $7300”, said Mr Edwards.
Kidsafe Victoria’s ‘Closing the Gate on Backyard Pool Drowning’ campaign calls for all pool and spa owners to visit www.kidsafevic.com.au/water-safety/pool-fence-safety and utilise the online home pool safety assessment tool, developed by Life Saving Victoria, to check the safety of their pool areas. This includes common pool barrier faults/non-compliance issues such as:
Mr Chambers noted that along with checking and maintaining pool barriers, active adult supervision of children around water played a vital role in preventing drowning incidents.
“Toddlers can drown quickly and silently, which is why they should always be kept within arm’s reach around water”, said Mr Chambers.
Kidsafe Victoria’s summer pool safety tips:
Water Safety Week runs from 29th November – 6th December.
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