Summer holidays: For many of us, that means plenty of time in the pool.

And whether you’re staying at a BIG4 park or enjoying your backyard pool at home, there are a few critical safety facts to be across.

So, our friends at Poolwerx are sharing these vital pool safety tips to protect your family these summer holidays.

Check your pool fence

A survey by Choice found that more than half of Australian pool fences that were tested did not meet the Australian safety standards for pool fencing. So what safety standards does your pool need to meet?

The fence must be at least 1.5m tall.

Slatted fences should not have gaps wider than 100mm.

In addition, it is advised that you remove climbable objects near the pool fence. Items such as chairs, tables, pot plants, trees, and more can act as a ladder for young kids.

This goes for inside the pool area too, as kids can reach and pull items through to get a foothold on.

Pay attention to the pool gate

There are several safety requirements for your pool gate that you may not be aware of. To keep your pool area as safe as possible, ensure the pool gate is:

• Self-closing and self-latching.
• Not propped open, even when you’re in the pool area.
• Regularly maintained.

Assess the entire pool area

It is important to look beyond the pool gate and fence when it comes to pool safety.

• Remove toys from the pool when you’re not using it. If there are pool toys floating in the water, it may entice kids to try and enter the pool area. Keep toys stored away and out of reach from little ones.
• Have a CPR chart on your fence. These instructions could help save a life in an emergency. Visit your local Poolwerx to pick up your poster.

Teach your kids to swim

Swimming is a huge part of the Australian culture. Many families spend their weekends swimming in public or backyard pools. If a child falls into the pool and they don’t know how to swim, they could be in serious danger.

Teaching your children to swim will keep them fit and healthy, help them burn energy, and build their confidence around water. It will also help to make your holiday more pleasant if your kids are able to enjoy the water with you.

Supervise children in pools

Whether your child can swim or not, it is essential that someone is supervising young children at all times when they’re near or in a pool, or anywhere else around water.

Kids are naturally curious, and if they are near the water’s edge, they can easily lose their balance and fall in. To ensure there is someone watching your kids at all times, nominate a ‘responsible pool person’ and take turns sharing the load.

Download the Poolwerx Pool Safety Checklist

Poolwerx partners with the Kids Alive - Do the Five program to help promote the importance of pool safety in the hope of preventing childhood drownings.

Download your Poolwerx Pool Safety Checklist to help make your pool area as safe as possible for your family.

For more info about local pool safety regulations, click on the link to your area below.

Queensland

New South Wales

Victoria

Western Australia

South Australia

Northern Territory

Australian Capital Territory