Guide: Essential Pool Safety Tips for WA Families

In Australia, pool safety is especially important due to the country's warm climate and the high number of outdoor swimming pools. To ensure your pool area is safe for everyone, here are some essential safety precautions:

Pool Fencing and Gates:

• Install a compliant fence: Pools should be surrounded by a compliant safety fence that is at least 1.2 meters high and has no gaps larger than 100mm. The fence should not have any footholds or handholds that could allow a child to climb over.
• Self-closing, self-latching gates: Ensure that pool gates close automatically and that the latch is above the reach of young children (minimum 1.5 meters above ground).
• Regularly check the fence: Ensure the gate latches properly and the fence is intact and not damaged.
  
  

Supervision: 

• Always supervise children: Never leave children unattended around or in the pool, even for a moment. Drowning can happen silently and quickly.
• Water safety awareness: If you have young children, keep them within arm’s reach when they’re in or near the pool.
• Designate a responsible adult: Have one adult be the designated "water watcher" when children are swimming to ensure constant supervision.
  
  

CPR and First Aid:

• Learn CPR: It's essential for everyone who owns or uses the pool to know how to perform CPR, especially for young children. A CPR course will teach you how to react quickly in case of an emergency.
• Keep first aid kits nearby: Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit close to the pool area.
  
  

Have Pool Rules  

• Rules – educate on pool rules – no diving, flips, running, drinking from glass, holding breath underwater etc.
  
  

Pool Maintenance:

• Regularly check pool equipment: Ensure all pool equipment, such as pumps and filters, is functioning properly to avoid accidents related to malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintain water quality: Keep the pool water clean and balanced to prevent illness and ensure visibility for rescues if necessary. 
• Clean up debris: Remove any debris from the pool area and surrounding space that might pose a tripping hazard.
  
  

Child Safety Devices:

• Inflatable pool safety devices: While they can be useful for flotation, they are not a substitute for proper supervision.
• Wearable float vests or rings - whilst great for kids to learn and build confidence in the water, they are not an alternate for adult supervision.
  
  

Teaching Water Safety: 

• Swimming lessons: Enrol children in swimming lessons from a young age to increase their confidence and ability in the water.
• Teach water safety skills: Educate family members about safe swimming practices, such as how to enter the pool safely, how to float, and how to get out of the pool.
  
  

Barriers Around the Pool Area:

• Remove toys after use: If you leave pool toys around the edge of the pool, children may be tempted to reach for them. Store toys out of reach when the pool is not in use.
• Remove climbing hazards: Ensure that no objects are left near the pool fence that could help a child climb over it.
  
  

By taking these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone around your pool.