24 October 2024

Alongside Kidsafe Australia, we are calling on home pool and spa owners to check their barriers and help reduce the tragedy of toddler drowning.

The National Drowning Report showed that 15 Australian toddlers aged under four drowned in 2023/24.

Most incidents occur in backyard swimming pools, accounting for40% of all infant drownings. Drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under four.

Kidsafe Australia President Professor Richard Franklin said toddler drowning happens quickly and silently.

“Toddlers are attracted to water, but they don’t yet understand the dangers that it can pose. A split second is all it takes for them to find themselves in trouble.”

Josie Costanzo knows just how quickly this can happen: her three-year-old son Justin drowned in a neighbour's pool in 2000 after the gate had been propped open with a rock.

“Justin died in less than 20 seconds with a mouthful of water in his lungs. I still had his dinner plate in my hand when I heard a call from my daughter and looked out the window to see him in the pool. That's how quickly it can happen,” said Ms Costanzo.

While pool and spa barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, evidence shows that many drowning deaths involve barriers that are faulty, have not been maintained, are propped open, or don’t comply with Australian standards.

Royal Life Saving Australia CEO Justin Scarr said barrier checks were critical to ensure toddler safety and should be routine for all pool and spa owners.

“With the summer months just around the corner and families spending more time in and around water, it’s important to be prepared. By checking weekly, that your pool barriers and gates are in good working order, you could save a life.”

In addition to regularly checking and maintaining pool barriers, Kidsafe Australia urges all parents and carers to be vigilant around children near water.

"Active supervision is crucial around water. Always keep children under four within arm's reach, with your attention focused on them and ensure those under 10 are always in your direct line of sight, especially near water," said Dr Franklin.

Key measures to ensure the safety of children near water include:

• Water Awareness: Enrol children in water awareness and swimming classes. These classes help children become alert near water, educate them about safety, and teach them swimming skills.
• CPR / First Aid: Kidsafe and Royal Life Saving strongly recommends that all parents and caregivers participate in CPR and First Aid training. Regularly refresh these skills to ensure that they can effectively respond in emergencies.

Top 5 issues with pool and spa barriers

• Gates or doors that are no longer self-closing or self-latching
• Gates that are propped open for convenience – allowing children unsupervised access
• Gaps, holes or spaces in and under the barrier which a child can get through
• Climbable objects near the pool barrier, e.g. BBQs, outdoor furniture, eskies, trees etc.

For more information, please visit Kidsafe Australia.