A backyard swimming pool offers oodles of joy for the whole family, but also comes with huge responsibility.
With pool parties on the agenda for summer this year there are a few things you can do to make the experience safe, fun and stress-free.
We all know how vitally important water and pool safety is in Australia, especially when it comes to children under five years, so here are three top tips to make your pool the safest it can be for your family:
1. Keep your eyes peeled
The MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Report found that 36 per cent of Australians had someone in their family that has had a negative water experience involving a pool. So, when it comes to little ones and water, constant supervision is non-negotiable. In Australia, drowning is the third-most-common cause of death amongst children, with toddlers particularly at risk. Moreover, drowning is silent, with no warning and no screaming. When the kids are in or around the pool – no matter how well they can swim – make sure at least one responsible adult has eyes on them at all times. Kids under five should always be within arm’s reach around water.
2. Check your gate
December is National Check-Your-Pool-Gate Month, an initiative to encourage pool owners to step up safety and vigilance after research revealed 57 per cent of pool owners were not checking the safety of their pool gate, fence and surrounds adequately.
Installing a high-quality fence and gate that meets Australian Standards is one of the best ways to avoid accidents. “Summer is always the peak drowning season and gates are one of the top lines of defence in preventing small children access, so it’s vital gates are working properly and doing their job,” says KidsAlive™ founder and Check-Your-Pool-Gate Month ambassador Laurie Lawrence.
“It’s not a complex thing for people to manage. It only takes a few minutes for pool owners to check their pool fences and gates, including the latches and hinges, to ensure they are in good working order.”
It’s recommended to check your fence and gate (including the latch and hinges) at least six times a year, especially in the lead-up to summer. Invented in and manufactured in Australia and available at all good hardware stores, the MagnaLatch® Pool Gate Safety Latch and TruClose® Safety Gate Hinges offer a the ideal solution to make child safety gates secure. They’re easy to install and come in a variety of models to suit all types of gates around pools, homes, gardens, backyards and perimeters.
3. Brush up on your first-aid skills
If the unthinkable happens, and your child needs medical assistance, knowing basic first aid and acting immediately, instead of waiting for emergency responders, could make a huge difference. There are plenty of courses available for parents and caregivers to learn infant and child CPR in case of an emergency. First-aid skills should be updated every three years, and CPR skills annually.
December is National Check-Your-Pool-Gate Month. Visit www.checkyourpoolgate.com.au for more information and a comprehensive safety checklist.
Brought to you by D&D Technologies.
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