By Alesha Capone
Home owners are being urged to ensure their pool and spa barriers meet safety requirements by Wyndham council and Kidsafe Victoria.
The Safe Barriers Save Lives campaign, officially launched last week, is aimed at reducing toddler drowning deaths.
The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s National Drowning Report shows that in the 2017-18 financial year, 18 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned.
More than two thirds of those drowning incidents occurred in swimming pools.
Wyndham family friendly portfolio holder Mia Shaw said that in the lead-up to warmer weather, it was important for pool and spa owners to check the safety of their pool barriers, gates and surrounding areas, and to immediately repair any faults.
“Pool and spa barriers tend to wear and tear over time,” Cr Shaw said.
“Rust and damage can prevent gates from self-locking or ground movement can cause gaps underneath the fence.”
The general manager of Kidsafe Victoria, Jason Chambers, said it was important for adults to supervise children in the water.
He said that around water, toddlers should always be kept within an arm’s reach of adults.
See kidsafevic.com.au/water-safety/pool-fence-safety for information.
