The recent National Drowning Report 2014 released by Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) reported that of the 266 drowning deaths in Australian waterways, there were 39 drowning deaths in Swimming Pools. Children aged under five, continue to be the age group that accounts for the largest number of drowning deaths in Swimming Pools in Australia, with 14 drowning deaths representing 36% of all drowning deaths in Swimming Pools. Children under the age of 5 have been identified as a high priority area of the Australian Water Safety Strategy
A study done by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare "Deaths and Hospitalisations Due to Drowning, Australia 1999-2004" Report identified that of the 182 admissions, 97 experienced a near-drowning episode, of which 85 came close to death. Alarmingly, 19.2 cases per 100,000 of immersions occur in swimming pools, and 88 swimming pool drownings occurred in the 0-4 year age group during the reporting period with a high proportion (195 cases) of hospitalised near-drownings occurring at home.
The report concluded pool fences are an effective method of preventing child drownings and near-drownings. The effectiveness can be further improved if compliance with gate closure can be enhanced.
The reason so many drowning deaths occur in home swimming pools is that pools are located close to the house and the child's natural curiosity brings them in contact with the pool. In the majority of home swimming pool drowning deaths the toddler fell in or went in voluntary.
The most common entry point for toddlers in the home pool is: via an open gate, through a house door, or by using nearby equipment to climb over the fence.
Current Swimming Pool Safety Regulations as of January 2014
From 1 January 2014 amendments to the Development Regulations 2008 will require councils to inspect all new pools for compliance. Building Advisory Notice Council inspections of new swimming pools provides information explaining the new requirements. More information can be found HERE.
Swimming pool safety
As a swimming pool or spa owner you are responsible for safety.
Drowning is the biggest cause of accidental death for young children. Most occur in private backyard swimming pools. You can reduce the risk of accidents occurring in your swimming pool by adequately fencing your pool and ensuring young children are supervised at all times.
In a life-threatening or urgent situation phone the emergency services on 000.
All swimming pools must have a continuous safety barrier maintained by the pool owner that restricts access by young children to the pool.
Swimming Pool Safety Checklist
For your Home Pool Safety Checklist click HERE
- Royal Life Saving Society Australia - Keep Watch
- Dept of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure - Brochure "Is Your Swimming Pool Kidsafe?"
- Swimming Pool and Spa Association of SA - Frequently asked questions
- Ministers Specifications SA 76D - Swimming Pool Safety - new prescribed requirements for upgrading prescribed swimming pools