Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in Australian children aged 0–4. As registered pool barrier inspectors, we are committed to helping pool owners prevent tragedies.
Beyond maintaining a compliant barrier, here are eight essential pool safety practices every Victorian pool owner should follow:
- Constant Active Adult Supervision: Never leave children unattended around water, even for a few seconds. Flotation aids and water wings are not life preservers.
- Never Prop Gates Open: Never prop, tie, or wedge a pool gate open, even momentarily while entertaining or carrying pool cleaning equipment.
- Daily Gate Check: Make it a habit to push the gate open and release it to verify that it closes and latches shut automatically from all angles.
- Keep the Non-Climbable Zone Clear: Regularly inspect the 900 mm quadrant around the outside of your barrier for chairs, ladders, eskies, and climbable vegetation.
- Learn CPR and First Aid: Ensure at least one family member holds a current CPR certification. Display a clear resuscitation chart on or near the pool barrier.
- Store Toys Away from Water: Floating toys, balls, and inflatables attract young children to the pool edge. Store all toys out of sight when swimming is over.
- Secure Chemical Storage: Keep pool chlorine, acid, and balancing chemicals locked in a cool, ventilated shed out of children's reach.
- Maintain Your 4-Year Certification: Ensure your pool barrier is re-inspected and re-certified every four years in accordance with Victorian Building Regulations.