Poolwerx Bunbury owner Neville and Robyn Walsh are urging local pool owners to take responsibility for the health and safety of those using their pool this summer.
Mr and Mrs Walsh said a recent survey revealed 40 per cent of pool owners fail to regularly inspect the safety of the pool area which may be putting lives at risk during the summer season.
“Data from the 2016 Royal Life Saving drowning report shows 21 children aged zero to four years old drowned in Australia last year and more than half of those drownings occurred in swimming pools,” Mr Walsh said.
“Children most commonly gain access to the pool through a faulty fence or gate, a gate that was propped open or because there was no fence at all.”
Mr Walsh said pool owners must check the safety of their pool area regularly and ensure pool gates and fences are in good condition, including the gate’s self-locking latch.
“It’s also important that there are no objects or furniture surrounding the pool a child could use to gain access to the pool area,” he said.
Swim safety ambassador and founder of the Kids Alive program, Laurie Lawrence, said everyone must take ownership to reduce drownings.
“We are about to hit the peak drowning period in Australia and the heat coupled with children’s natural affinity for water can provide a recipe for disaster,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to go home and check their pools as soon as possible.”
Mrs Walsh said as a partner of the Kids Alive program, Poolwerx have a strong focus on pool safety and a commitment to zero drownings.
“Children are drawn to water like magnets, so it’s important all pool owner learn CPR and remain vigilant,” she said.
For more information or to download a poolside safety checklist visit poolwerx.com.au/about-us/pool-safety-checklist or call 1800 009 000.
