Published 10 December 20224
Portable pools are an affordable and easy way for families to cool off in summer. While fun and convenient, they can pose serious risks, especially for young children.
Even a small amount of water left in a portable pool can be enough to cause a tragedy. A toddler can drown in just 3cm of water.
On average, one child dies from a portable pool-related drowning every year in Australia, while others need hospital treatment and may be left with severe brain injuries.
Justin Scarr, Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer, has said many families were unaware that the legal requirement to have a fence around backyard pools also applied to portable pools.
“In most States and Territories, portable pools that are 30cm deep or more must be fenced. You can find further information on specific legislation from your local councils,” Mr Scarr said. “If you’re planning on using or buying a portable pool, remember Make it Safe.
”We are urging parents, carers, and grandparents to follow these essential tips for portable pool safety:
- Supervise – Always actively supervise children around water. Keep them within arm’s reach at all times. Never leave older children in charge of supervision.
- Empty – After use, pour out the water, deflate the pool, and store it securely out of children’s reach.
- Fence – If your pool holds more than 30cm of water, ensure it has a compliant safety barrier. Check local regulations with your council or government agency.
- Act – Be prepared by learning CPR and understanding how to respond in a drowning emergency. If an incident occurs, begin compressions and breaths immediately, and call Triple Zero (000) for help.
“Portable pools are a great way to enjoy the water and beat the heat, but they should be treated with the same care and caution as any body of water,” Mr. Scarr added.
By taking these simple precautions, families can enjoy all the benefits of portable pools while keeping young children safe this summer.
