It's Winter, But Don't Forget Swimming Pool Safety

Every year an average of 22 Australians drown in swimming pools. It is the biggest killer of children under four with an average of eight deaths occurring annually. The majority of children who drown in a swimming pool are related to the pool owner or are their children. One of the main factors in the death of children drowning in pools is the lack of adult supervision.

Just because you close your pool for the winter does not mean that you can completely ignore swimming pool safety. Your pool should have an adequate fence around it with a self closing gate to keep children from accessing it. Check to ensure any pot plants and BBQ’s are well away from your pool fencing this is a regulation and will hopefully prevent your child to get a foot hold onto the object and climb over your fence.

Ensure you have a current CPR (resuscitation chart) sign within the pool area and that it is easily accessible. These can be bought online at www.ozpoolsupplies.com.au

Many parents suspend swimming lessons throughout winter but a recent article suggested that this is not recommended as children quite often forget what they have learned or lose some of their confidence. Please think about continuing those swimming lesions throughout the year.

When children are at a home with a pool they should be supervised carefully to ensure that they do not get the opportunity to try to access the swimming pool. Being hyper vigilant is better than having to deal with tragedy.