Pool Safety

Did you know that the number one cause of death in children under the age of five is drowning, and that more than 100 people die in NSW each year as a result of accidents in or around the water?

Under the Swimming Pool Act and Regulations, Council is to ensure all pools are fenced to protect children from accidental drowning.

Under the Public Health (Swimming Pool) Regulations, Council is required to:

• Conduct testing of water quality of commercial and semi-commercial pools
• Conduct compliance checks to ensure pools meet the guidelines
• Educate commercial operators as appropriate
• Issue closing orders if necessary.

The NSW Government has taken the initiative to improve pool safety, with the introduction of pool fencing laws, the rest is up to you, the parents and the community.

Some Important points to keep in mind:

• Ensure that the pools fence and gate is well maintained. Make sure the gate is closed at all times and never prop it open.
• Keep objects away from the pool area, so that children cannot use them to reach the gate latch or climb the fence.
• Have knowledge and be confident with resuscitation techniques. You must have a comprehensive resuscitation chart displayed near the pool area for reference, and obtain a first aid certificate through the local St. John's Ambulance or Red Cross Society.
• Establish safety rules for the pool area, ad strictly enforce them, (such as no running around the pool, no pushing into the water etc.)
• Ensure that toys or other objects are not left floating in the pool. They are very attractive to small children.
• Have a non-slip surface around the pool.
• If you are overheated, overtired, have been drinking alcohol, or have just finished a meal, don't go swimming.
• Always remain alert when children are near the pool. It only takes a few seconds for a child to drown so never take your eye off them.
• Have children taught water confidence at an early age.
• Always keep extension leads or plugs off damp ground and away from the water.

SPA POOL SAFETY

Spa pools are an enormous health risk, if they are not maintained and used correctly. The waters tends to harbour many undesirable organisms.

The high temperature can also be a health hazard. It is important to always:

• Supervise children while they are in the spa.
• Use the spa for a longer than 20 minutes at a time.
• Avoid mixing spa use with alcohol consumption.
• Avoid swallowing water.
• Run the spa at a temperature of no higher than 40°C.
• Refrain from using the spa if you are injured, unwell or pregnant.
• Avoid putting your head underwater.
• Display the above guidelines in the spa area, to show that you care about the health of your patrons.