AS high temperatures keep people looking for ways to cool down, pool owners are reminded to ensure compliance with Queensland safety regulations.
Council continues to contact homeowners after an aerial survey last year found about 1400 properties across Logan may be in breach of pool safety laws.
Through its pool safety education program, council wants to confirm whether the owners have a pool and give them an opportunity to provide a safety certificate.
...mere seconds can make all the difference.
- Laurie Lawrence
City growth committee chair councillor Darren Power said it was vital pool owners were aware of their obligations and empowered with knowledge to make the right decisions.
“Sadly lives have been lost in our city because of inadequate pool fencing,” he said.
“I’m confident pool owners want to do the right thing and we’re here to help them do it.”
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission administers pool safety legislation but councils are required to investigate compliance and have a duty of care to ensure safety.
Regular checks
Poolwerx Jimboomba owner Jeff Duncker said pool owners should do regular safety checks to ensure pool gates and fences were in good condition, including the gate’s self-locking latch.
“It’s also important that there are no objects or furniture surrounding the pool that a child could use to gain access to the pool area,” Mr Duncker said.
“Last year, 29 children aged zero to four drowned in Australia and 45 per cent of these drownings occurred in swimming pools.
“Children most commonly gained access to the pool through a faulty fence or gate, a gate that was propped open or because there was no fence at all.”
Kids Alive Do the Five program founder Laurie Lawrence said drownings were preventable if we all took ownership.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of teaching your kids to swim from an early age,” he said.
“Arming young children with basic water safety skills will give them a fighting chance if they fall in by accident.
“It also gives parents vital seconds to respond – and mere seconds can make all the difference.”
Mr Lawrence said property supervision was critical for children under the age of five years old.
“Always keep your children within arm’s reach in the pool,” he said.
“Remember that drownings often occur during parties and backyard barbecues in the summer months – don’t let this happen to you.
“Remember the Five: Fence the pool, shut the gate, teach your kids to swim, supervise and as your insurance policy should the worst happen, learn how to resuscitate.”