Backyard Safety

Royal Life Saving Keep Watch Home Pool Safety

Did You Know?

• Drowning is a leading cause of preventable death in children under 5 years of age
• On average, over the last decade, a child under 5 years of age drowned every week in Australia
• For every drowning death it is estimated that three children were admitted to hospital as a result of an immersion incident
• For children under 5 years of age, home swimming pools are the most common site in which drowning occurs
• Children less than one year of age most frequently drown in bathtubs
• Children drown all year round

RESTRICT ACCESS Fence / Gate / Maintain

• Maintain your pool barrier and gate
• Provide a Child Safe Play Area

Creating a barrier between your child and the body of water is one of the most effective ways of preventing drowning. Pool fencing has been shown to save children from drowning. Fencing must isolate the water body (including swimming pools, spas and wading pools) from the house and should be regularly maintained with a gate that self-closes and self-latches. Any object a child could use to climb over a barrier should be removed. Pool fencing has been shown to save children from drowning Visit www.homepoolsafety.com.au for your home pool safety checklist that will help you maintain your fence and gate in good working order. A child safe play area can be created inside or outside the house and will also restrict a child’s access to water. Inside the house, doors and windows should be locked to prevent the child being able to wander away and the bathtub should be emptied immediately after use and the bathroom door kept shut.

Download the Home Pool Safety app by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia.

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