Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under 5 years of age.
Statistics from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s National Drowning Report show that in 2019/20, 12 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned. The majority of these drowning incidents (50%) occurred in swimming pools.
While safety barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths are the result of barriers that are faulty, or non-compliant with Australian standards.
Kidsafe’s ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ Backyard Pool Safety campaign calls on all pool and spa owners to check the safety of their pool or spa barriers and set their home pool defence, to assist in keeping children safe in and around water. The campaign features a series of humorous skits with parents employing an over the top defence and celebrations while playing backyard sporting games with their children, to remind families that when it comes to backyard pool safety, ‘the best offence is a good defence’.
The ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign is proudly supported by Safetech Hardware Australia.
Matt Welsh’s Top 4 Tips to check your backyard swimming pool:
For more information to assist you to check the safety of your pool and spa barrier, please use the resources below:
‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign DL flyer
‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign A3 poster
Royal Life Saving Australia’s Home Pool Safety Checklist
Our friends at Safetech Hardware Australia have established a handy pool maintenance reminder which allows you to register to receive reminders and useful resources to help you complete a home pool self assessment – https://safetechhardware.com.au/pool-fence-safety-check-registration
