Media Release
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Wednesday, 06 December 2017 13:04
Kidsafe Victoria has issued a warning about the increased risk of drowning in backyard swimming pools during the Christmas and summer holidays, with thousands of pool parties and barbecues taking place across the State.
Kidsafe Victoria Ambassador
Matt Welsh and his children enjoying a swim together
Figures from Royal Life Saving Society of Australia's (RLSSA) National Drowning Report show that in 2016/17, toddler drowning incidents increased by 32%. During this period, 29 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned. The majority of these drowning incidents (45%) occurred in backyard swimming pools.
Kidsafe Victoria General Manager, Jason Chambers, said "active adult supervision of children around water at all times is vital as toddlers can drown quickly and silently. Toddlers should always be kept within an arm's reach of an adult around water."
"Backyard pools are the most common location where toddlers drown. At parties and celebrations with lots of people around, adults can sometimes think someone else is watching the children around the pool, when in fact, nobody may be supervising them."
Mr. Chambers said that all pool and spa owners should make sure their pool barriers are secure and the pool gate and latch are working correctly, before the busy holiday period. Many faults or non-compliance issues that arise through lack of maintenance of pool and spa barriers can provide children with unsupervised access to the water area.
In the past decade, 69% of toddler drowning deaths in home pools and spas involved lack of maintenance of the pool or spa barrier as a contributing factor, according to Life Saving Victoria's recently released Victorian Drowning Report.
The Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) Victoria's CEO Brendan Watkins reiterated the importance of pool and spa owners conducting regular checks to ensure that their barriers are in correct working order. "Pool and spa barriers tend to wear and tear over time. Rust and damage can prevent gates from self-closing or self-latching and ground movement can cause gaps underneath the barrier," said Mr Watkins.
The reminder has been issued as part of Water Safety Week which is being celebrated from 4 - 10 December 2017 by Victorian aquatic agencies.
Is your Pool or Spa Barrier
Safe?
Take 15 minutes to check the safety of your pool barrier now to ensure it
is safe and in correct working order - you could just save a life.
IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS HAVE YOU CHECKED TO ENSURE THAT:
To complete a comprehensive home pool safety assessment and find out more information on pool fencing legislation and the responsibilities of pool owners, please visit www.kidsafevic.com.au
Kidsafe Victoria's Life Saving Summer Pool Party Safety Tips - Plan Your Pool Party and Keep Children Safe.For more information on
Kidsafe Victoria's 'Safe Barriers Save Lives' campaign and child water safety,
please visit http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/water-safety/pool-fence-safety.
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329
201