Check Your Pool Fence Now!

Ashleigh Williamson

Swimming pools are a constant source of summer fun which can instantly become dangerous.

Statistics show 300 children under five have drowned and died in pools in the past nine years, including 28 in the past 12 months.

Michael and JoAnn Morris were one set of parents who saved their son Samuel from drowning in 2006.

However, Samuel was left with severe brain injuries and lifelong disabilities.

‘‘My son was a bright, happy, cuddly little boy until he had a near-drowning experience in our home pool (aged two),’’ Mr Morris said.

‘‘He shook a faulty panel which came away and gave him access.’’

PoolWerx and Royal Life Saving Society of Australia are partners in the Keep Watch program, which promotes swimming safety.

Mr Morris said checking fencing around home pools was vital.

‘‘We assumed when we moved in that the fence complied with Australian standards,’’ he said.

‘‘We found out after Samuel’s accident that wasn’t the case and (the pool fence) had never been inspected .’’

Royal Life Saving Society chief executive Rob Bradley estimated 85 per cent of home pools did not meet safety standards or were not fenced.

‘‘There are way too many people saying I’ll get around to checking the fence sometime,’’ he said.

‘‘Check it now.

‘‘It’s extremely frustrating to have home pool owners sometimes question the need for a pool fence.

‘‘All pools have to be fenced in Australia.’’

PoolWerx chief executive John O’Brien said the company wanted to help achieve the Australian target of halving the number of child drownings by 2020.

‘‘We are working every day with people to ensure Australian home pools are safe, healthy swimming environments,’’ he said.

‘‘If we can help save the life of just one child by completing a complimentary poolside health check, we’re making a substantial difference.’’

The Keep Watch Program is promoting four messages:

-Ask people to supervise children when they are in or near water;

-Restrict children’s water access;

-Teach children about water safety; and

-Ensure adults know how to resuscitate someone in need.