Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has joined forces with Royal Life Saving to highlight how critical it is that people check their backyard pool (and spa) for safety as the warmer weather approaches.
Shocking statistics show that in NSW over the past 13 years, 83 children have died in a backyard swimming pool.
Mr O’Dea said, it is critical people actively supervise children around water this summer – and ensure gates and fences are properly maintained and in good condition.
“Supervision is not an occasional glance whilst doing other things – and it is an adult’s job. Older children ultimately don’t have the skills to be fully responsible to supervise younger children,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Please give children near or in the water all of your attention all of the time.”
People are being urged to immediately download a checklist from www.bepoolsafe.com.au or www.swimmingpoolregister.com.au. Members of the public can download a wide range of resources from the website including educational fact sheets, information about courses and more.
Sunday 29 November, 2015 has been declared Summer Safety Sunday. The event will focus on reminding people across the State that it is critical to inspect pools and spas and put them through a full safety check.
Royal Life Saving NSW CEO, David Macallister, said “The day is about getting community attention on the shocking drowning toll around pools and spas.
“In the past 10 years, at least 70 children have suffered neurological damage due to immersion in a pool and at least 1,000 children have been admitted to hospital for the same reason. We have to do more. We have to be more vigilant.”
Mr Macallister added, “In most emergency situations, it is a family member that is first on the scene. Learn CPR. Go to bepoolsafe.com.au or visit the hash tag #SummerSafe. Pools and spas are there to be enjoyed. Safety is the key.”
