Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

IS YOUR POOL SAFE? YES/NO/UNSURE

Mackay Safety Pool Inspections is passionate about pool safety so give us a call today.

Mick Storch (Pool Safety Inspector) says the biggest issue he sees in his work with Mackay Safety Pool Inspections is faulty pool gates that don’t shut properly or pool owners propping gates open.

“(Pool owners) all have an obligation to ensure that the pool barrier, which is the fence and the gate, are compliant,” he said.

“Compliant means in good order, no things stacked up against it, that the gates close correctly and there’s a CPR sign installed on the pool fence.”

The Royal Life Saving Society’s Keep Watch program has identified four key drowning prevention Actions:

1. Active Supervision

● Be prepared – always make sure you have everything ready, such as sunscreen, towels, hats etc., before you enter the spa or pool area.

● Be close – remain within arm’s reach of children.

● Be alert – focus all your attention on your child when they are in, on, or around water. avoid distractions such as your smartphone or tablet.

● Be present – you should never leave your child alone in the water, nor should they be left in the care of an older child. If you must leave the pool or spa area, even if it’s just for a minute, take your child with you.

● Be responsible – set clear rules and boundaries for all children when they are in the pool or spa area.

2. Restrict Access

● Secure gate – must always open outward and be self-closing and self-latching. Gate is to be kept always closed while the latch must be more than 1.5m from the ground and close securely from fully opened and just opened.

● Adequate fencing –comply to pool fence standards, be at least 1.2m high with no vertical gaps more than 100mm apart, and in good working order. (Spa covers cannot be used as safety barriers in place of a fence for above ground spa pools.)

● Proper clearance – ensure outdoor furniture / pot plants are 900mm away pool fence on the outside and 300mm on the inside as it can entice children to climb on them and enter the pool area.

3. Water Awareness

● Water familiarisation – classes, such as Royal Life Saving’s ‘Swim and Survive’ or Laurie Lawrence’s ‘Kids Alive Do The Five’ programs focus on the gradual introduction of basic skills for children aged 6 to 36 months like moving in the water, getting their face wet and blowing bubbles. These are followed by learn to swim classes.

● Removing water hazards – store pool toys out of view when the pool is not in use to ensure children aren’t enticed to reach for them.

● Set rules around water – establish clear boundaries for all children when they are in, on, or around pool or spa water.

● Discuss water safety – educate children in an age-appropriate language about the potential dangers of water, and how rules help keep them safe.

4. First Aid & CPR

“We can contribute to the community, through education and raising awareness of how important it is to ensure that pool gates are always closed.”

So, give Mackay Safety Pool Inspections a call today to make sure your pool complies with all the required safety requirements.

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