Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five with most of these incidents occurring in swimming pools.
While supervision is the best way to prevent death or injury by drowning, safety barriers can be an effective secondary measure for families.
With warmer weather well and truly here, it’s a great time to check the safety of your pool area and carry out any maintenance.
The City is required to inspect all pools (around 900 of them!) at least once every four years to ensure that barriers, such as pool gates and fences, comply with legislation to reduce the risk of accidental drownings.
If your pool gate isn’t latching, it may be corroded or out of alignment; try oiling the latch, adjusting the tension in the hinges or replacing them.
Pool gates must open away from a pool area, fences shouldn’t have gaps underneath and it’s also important to be mindful where furniture is placed so children can’t climb up and over.
If you have any questions, please contact the City on 9237 9222 or city@subiaco.wa.gov.au.
