Beware the Christmas peril of portable pools
They may be a popular Christmas present, but the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is warning about the potential hazards of portable pools after recent statistics show a high risk of drowning for children under the age of five.
The new mandatory safety standard to be enforced by the ACCC will mean portable pools and their retail packaging will require new warning labels from March 2014. The warning labels will also draw attention to state and territory fencing laws for pools, including inflatable and portable pools.
“Portable pools are a popular choice for families over summer but can pose serious drowning risks to young children regardless of the pool’s size,” says ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard.
"Children can drown in seconds, even in shallow water,” Rickard says.
“Adults must always actively supervise children from within arm’s reach when they are in and around water. Never rely on older children to supervise younger children, no matter how confident you are about their ability to watch the younger child.”
“Always empty and store portable pools safely away from younger children when not in use and ensure inflatable or portable pools that are deeper than 300 mm are surrounded by a swimming pool fence,” she says.
Further information on portable pool safety and the upcoming mandatory safety standard is available at www.productsafety.gov.au/portablepools
Safety tips
Always empty smaller pools when not in use.
Always store portable pools safely away from young children when not in use. Store the pool to prevent small amounts of water being collected in the pool due to rain or nearby sprinklers.
Ensure larger inflatable or portable pools are surrounded by a swimming pool fence.
Consult your local government authority for fencing requirements.
Always actively supervise children from within arm’s reach when they are in and around the water.
Never rely on older children to supervise younger children, no matter how confident you are about their ability to watch the younger child.
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