Don’t become this year’s statistics; make pool safety your priority!

Swimming pools provide fun and entertainment for the whole family and are a great way to cool off from the summer heat; however, they can be very dangerous places especially for vulnerable users such as small children. Maitland City Council is encouraging residents to remember pool safety as a priority this summer, especially the need for adequate fencing.

According to information released recently by the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, 32 children in Australia under the age of 4 drowned in 08/09 and 60% of which were in a swimming pool. Overall, swimming pool deaths in Australia were up by 11% on the last five year average.

According to David Simm, Manager Development and Environment at Maitland City Council, now is the time for home pool owners to become aware of and adhere to requirements in relation to pool safety and security. 

“Many people in our community are not fully aware of regulations in regards to home swimming pools.  This is a dangerous situation particularly when life threatening incidents can occur in the blink of an eye”.

The Royal Life Saving Society- Australia said that backyard swimming pools are the most dangerous aquatic location for young children and have been recognised as a priority area in the Australia Water Safety Strategy 2008-2011.

Royal Life Saving CEO, Rob Bradley said, “An increasing number of children are drowning by getting through, under or over existing pool gates and fencing that their parents believed was secure.

“Recent local government surveys have shown that up to 85 per cent of home pools do not comply with the safety standards. That’s a frightening statistic. We are asking every pool owner to get out into their backyard and make sure it is safe and secure.”

Maitland City Council is committed to working with current or prospective owners of pools in our community to help those residents increase their knowledge of requirements and thus enhance the safety of their families and friends. 

Swimming Pools and Safety Fencing can be downloaded from the Planning and Development section of Maitland City Council’s website www.maitland.nsw.gov.au.  A free on-site audit by Council staff of a pool already built may also be arranged by contacting Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4934 9700.

More information can also be found on the Royal Life Saving Society- Australia pool safety website www.homepoolsafety.com.au