Q: Do I need to supervise my child in the pool constantly?

YES!! Tragically, many drownings happen in the few seconds that parents are distracted. Supervision means your child is being continually watched by you or an appropriate adult.
Supervision should be constant, not the occasional glance whilst you read a book or relax. Regardless of what you are doing, always keep watch when children are in, on or around water. Take your child with you whenever you leave the swimming pool or bathtub. Never under any circumstances leave them alone!

Q: Why do I need to learn resuscitation?

A child’s life may be saved if the parents or carers have the proper knowledge and skills to rescue and resuscitate quickly and confidently. There are a number of recognised providers of resuscitation courses.
The Royal Life Saving Society conducts resuscitation courses and also sells resuscitation posters. These posters should be openly displayed in a prominent position by your pool. For course details or resuscitation posters contact the Society on (02) 9879 4699.

Q: What is the right age for my child to begin water familiarisation lessons?

It is recommended that young children can begin water familiarisation programs from 3 months of age. The water temperature should be at least 30 degrees with air temperature ideally higher (therefore indoor facility).

Q: Should my child use floatation aides?

The use of flotation aides should only be used where appropriate. The child should not create a dependency on the flotation aide. Children should be able to master the water environment on their own. Flotation aides are no substitute for constant supervision when infants and children are in the water.

Q: Do I need a pool fence?

This depends on when your pool was built. If your pool was built before 1 August 1990 then you do not have to have a swimming pool fence as such, but the pool MUST be isolated from access from the street or from adjoining properties. The pool does not have to be separated from any residential building on the land provided the means of access from the building to the pool is restricted at all times. If your pool was built after 1 August 1990, then you are required to have a child resistant pool fence that complies with Australian Standard 1926-1986 “Fences and Gates for Swimming Pools”. You should contact your council for further information on these standards.

Q: What are my responsibilities if I am a tenant in a property on which there is a swimming pool?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, it is usually the landlord’s responsibility for providing and maintaining the premises in a reasonable state of repair, however the tenant is not to intentionally or negligently damage the premises and the tenant must notify the landlord of any damage.

Q: What is my local council’s role in relation to swimming pool fencing?

Your local council is responsible for the enforcement of the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and can advise on the standards required. Councils can grant exemptions from the requirements of the Act in certain circumstances. There is a right of appeal against a refusal to grant an exemption. For further information, contact your local council.

Q: I have a backyard swimming pool. What are some of the safety issues I need to consider.

Owning and operating a home pool or spa is in some respects no different from running a public pool. You are still aiming to provide a safe, clean environment for your family and friends. The major issue for you as a pool owner is children – your own, your friends and your neighbours. If you own a pool you should consider the following safety issues:

1. •Have you ever practised dealing with a mock injury?
   

2. •Do you have a regular maintenance plan for your pool plant (pumps and filters)?
   

3. •Do you know what practises you would adopt in the case of a minor aquatic emergency (lack of water clarity, chemical irregularities)?
   

4. •Do you know what procedures you would adopt in the case of a major emergency (near drowning, spinal injury, chemical spill)?
   

5. •Do you have any rescue equipment such as rescue poles or rescue tubes?
   

6. •Is the rescue equipment in easy reach and in good order?
   

7. •Do you keep electrical equipment away from the pool?
   

8. •Are all power outlets or the main circuit fitted with earth leakage protection?
   

Q: What are some of the things I need to consider when dealing with pool chemicals?

In order to maintain your pool at the standard of cleanliness to prevent infections and disease you will need to sanitise the water. In most home pools this is done using a pump, a series of filters and chemical treatment of the water. There are a number of simple safety issues you should remember when using and handling chemicals, these include:

1. •Keep pool chemicals away from fertilisers and petroleum products. They may explode.
   

2. •Use only clean, dry and impervious scoops (not wood) when transferring chemicals.
   

3. •Water should not be poured over chemicals, pour the chemicals into water.
   

4. •Do you know what your local government health regulations recommend as safe levels for swimming pool water?
   

5. •How regularly do you monitor the clarity and quality of your pool water?
   

6. •Are chemicals stored out of reach of children?
   

7. •Are your chemicals stored in a cool dry area away from sunlight?
   

8. •Do you use protective equipment (gloves and eyewear) when handling pool chemicals?
   

If your pool fails a water test at any stage DO NOT allow anyone to swim in it until it is corrected.

Q: Who drowns on Australian farms?

Whilst people of all ages drown on Australian farms, generally it is children (aged less than 15). The highest risk category are children aged less than 5.

Q: Where on farms do people drown?

Drowning deaths on farms most commonly occur in dams, water reservoirs and irrigation channels, as well as in creeks and rivers. There have also been cases recorded where young children have drowned in stock troughs, uncovered sewerage and effluent ponds, wells, and an uncovered posthole after a period of rain.

Q: How can I prevent people from drowning on my farm?

30% of toddler drownings occur in lakes, rivers and dams. You can restrict your child’s access to these dangers by creating a “Child Safe Area” in and around your home. Remember dams are dangerous.

The best way to reduce the risk of drowning on a farm is to isolate children from water sources. The most effective method of achieving this is through parental supervision/childcare and the creation of safe play areas that isolate the child from hazards. Non-open bodies of water such as tanks, troughs and sewerage should be covered and isolated, open bodies of water such as dams may be fenced off. Older children should be enrolled in swimming lessons and have rules set that do not allow them to go near water hazards.

All pools on the farm should be fenced according to the pool fencing standards.