As many Australians take to their home swimming pools to escape the heat, the Royal Life Saving Society is issuing a reminder about the very real risk of drowning.
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The society’s National Drowning Report 2015 (covering 2014/15 financial year) showed an increase of 30 per cent in drowning deaths of children aged 0-4, with more than 50 per cent occurring in swimming pools.
This Sunday, Royal Life Saving is asking Australians to participate in ‘Summer Safety Sunday’, checking their pools and spas to ensure they are safe, compliant and all outstanding issues dealt with.
“We want people to have fun in all aquatic environments. We don’t want to see tragedies,” Royal Life Saving NSW chief executive officer David Macallister said.
“If a pool gate is not closing properly, please fix it. If your pool fence needs any kind of repair, act. It is never worth the risk.”
Royal Life Saving said it was important for children to learn how to swim and build their water safety skills during school years.
“Supervision is a key factor, and often it is either intermittent or absent altogether. Home swimming pools continue to be the leading location for drowning in young children,” Royal Life Saving board member Justin Scarr said.
“This is an alarming sign and we urge people to remember the four key actions of the Keep Watch program – Supervise, Restrict Access to Water, Water Awareness and Resuscitation.”
As of April 29, 2013, Australians have been required to register their home swimming pools in an online register provided by the NSW State Government.
To register a pool, visit www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au and follow the steps provided. Swimming pool registration is free.
As of April 29, 2016, all properties with a swimming pool or spa pool that are sold or leased must have a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance.
For tips on how to keep safe in the backyard this summer, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs/nsw-pool-register-be-pool-safe