Residents urged to stay safe this swim season

As temperatures rise across the Scenic Rim, residents are readying their swimming pools for another summer of fun.

As part of those preparations, Scenic Rim Regional Council is asking homeowners, parents, and caregivers to brush up on their pool safety to make sure everyone stays safe this swim season.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children up to the age of four years and, during the past year, 25 per cent of all drownings in this age group occurred in swimming pools.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said that whether residents had a swimming pool or were looking to get one, it was time to review the required regulations and safety measures.

“Taking the right steps such as fencing your pool not only prevents drowning deaths, it’s also the law,” he said. 

“Pools need a fence if they are more than 300mm deep, so keep that in mind if you buy a paddling or wading pool for your kids.

“Please also make sure your pool fence and gate are in good working order and never prop open your pool gate.

“Faulty fences or gates and deliberately propped-open gates are two of the leading causes of pool drowning deaths among children.”

Mayor Christensen said that if residents were unsure about their pool's compliance or needed information about installing a store-bought paddling pool, Council's compliance officers could assist with free advice.

“Please always reach out to Council if you need any help or advice about your swimming pool,” he said.

“It might just save a life.”

Scenic Rim Sport and Recreation Portfolio Councillor Marshall Chalk said there were several tips pool owners could follow to keep their family safe. 

“My number one tip is to please supervise your children at all times, whether they are in a pool, near a pool, or have access to a pool area,” he said. 

“Make sure your CPR sign is displayed in prominent location and brush up on your CPR skills. 

“Remove any climbable objects within 900mm of the pool fence, including vegetation and tree branches. 

“Finally, install security screens on windows which provide access to the pool area or alter them so they can't open more than 100mm.”

For more information about swimming pools and spas, visit Council's website: https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/swimming-pools-spas-1/swimming-pools-spas