Retailer Swimming Pool Package Contents: A) Downloadable Pool Fencing Warning for use by retailers B) Fact Sheet on Inflatable & Above-Ground Swimming Pools for Educational Purposes C) Media release This package was put together by Kidsafe Victoria in consultation with Life Saving Victoria and the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.
A) Downloading Pool Fencing Warning Any Swimming, Wading, Paddling pool or Spa that is capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than 300mm (30cms or approximately 1 foot) is required to be protected by a Safety Barrier complying with Australian Standards. Pool Safety Barriers must be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with building regulations and the Australian Standard (AS 1926.1-2007). This standard can be purchased from SAI Global www.saiglobal.com Victorian law requires that before any pool or spa that is required to be enclosed with a Safety Barrier may be installed or erected on land the owner must obtain a Building Permit. Building Permits can be obtained from either a Municipal Building Surveyor or a Private Building Surveyor. More information can be obtained from the Building Commission, www.buildingcommission.com.au Retailers have permission to reproduce the following warning in order to inform consumers of their legal obligations regarding any pools that they may purchase. WARNING: THIS POOL IS OVER 300mm (30cms) IN DEPTH, THEREFORE CONSUMERS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT AND ERECT A POOL SAFETY BARRIER COMPLIANT WITH AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS1926.1-2007.
B) Fact Sheet on Inflatable & Above-Ground Swimming Pools for further information Inflatable Swimming Pools Drowning is a major cause of avoidable death and injury for Australian children. Toddlers are naturally inquisitive and attracted to water, however they have little fear and no understanding of the dangers involved. Toddlers are at particular risk of drowning as they are often top heavy, meaning that they can easily overbalance and fall into bodies of water. According to the 2008/09 Victorian Drowning Report, there were 3 toddler drowning deaths in Victoria (0-4 years). Of further concern for this age group is the number of non fatal drowning incidents, with an average of 39 incidents requiring hospitalisation each year over the past five years. The statistics from the past five years show that for every infant/toddler (0-4 years) that dies from drowning, a further 8 receive emergency department care for non fatal submersion injuries. Non fatal drowning incidents can result in severe traumatisation, brain damage, and permanent disability. In the past 12 months in Victoria there have been 7 toddler deaths as a result of drowning. This is over double the toddler drowning rate in 2008/09. Hazards associated with inflatable and above-ground pools: Swimming and paddling pools can be a great source of fun for children during summer, however there are hazards associated with such products including: Small amounts of water can collect in such pools especially after rain; children can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water. Small swimming and paddling pools are often not regarded to be as dangerous as other pools because they are portable and comparatively they are not very deep, and therefore proper safety measures such as pool fencing are often not considered to be necessary. Children can become ill if the water in inflatable pools is left uncleaned for long periods of time. Standards relating to inflatable pools: Any pool that is capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm (30cms) is required to be surrounded by a Safety Barrier. Pool Safety Barriers require a Building Permit and must be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with building regulations and the Australian Standard (AS 1926.1-2007). Safety tips for the use of inflatable pools: Ensure that swimming and paddling pools are enclosed with complying Safety Barriers to restrict children s access. Contact the local Council for information of pool Safety Barrier requirements before purchasing or erecting an inflatable pool. Always supervise children around water. Never leave children on their own or in the care of an older child. Empty inflatable and paddling pools and store them away from children when not in use. Contact a licensed pool shop for expert advice on keeping the water in an inflatable pool clean and properly balanced.
C) Media Release Media Enquiries: Dr Mark Stokes, President Kidsafe Victoria, Mobile: 0408 038 267 Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Mobile: 0417 329 201 Maryanne Sonnerman, Media Comms, Life Saving Victoria mobile: 0403 919 766. Peter Jolly, President Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, Ph 0417 372 631 September 12 th 2010 Kidsafe, Life Saving Victoria Lead Calls For Toy and Pool Retailer Awareness on Potential Death Traps. Kidsafe Victoria and Life Saving Victoria have released a downloadable safety information pack for retailers, warning of the dangers of unfenced inflatable swimming pools. The pack advises retailers/consumers that any pool with a depth greater than 30 centimetres/one foot, is required to have a Standards Australia approved fence, with a childproof, self latching gate. Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said, The pack ensures retailers have access to consistent information, enabling them to pass this on to their consumers. Anyone who purchases an above ground, inflatable pool over 30 cms deep, is legally required to place a fence around it to protect their children. Inflatable swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular with families as they initially appear to be a cheap way to keep the kids cool over summer, and the water bill down. Pools up to 90 cms in depth (three feet deep) can be purchased for a couple of hundred dollars and set up within minutes. With one toddler death in Victoria attributed to a removable, temporary pool in the last year, Kidsafe and Life Saving Victoria are concerned this number will increase if there is not adequate public education around the dangers and requirements for fencing. CEO of Life Saving Victoria, Nigel Taylor, said, All promotional materials pertaining to above ground pools including websites, packaging and brochures, should carry the CLEAR MESSAGE that the planning and building LAWS in Victoria will require the pool being sold to be fenced before being filled. Kidsafe and Life Saving Victoria have called for a coordinated campaign on Pool Fencing Safety Awareness including the mandatory labelling requirements for all pools being sold to carry the message. Wording such as, This Pool Requires Australian Standards Fencing in order to be Legally Installed in Victoria, should be included on all packaging, advertising and websites promoting inflatable swimming pools.
Some retailers presently advise consumer to check with your local council for pool fencing legislation - this is not good enough and needs to emphasise that fencing is compulsory for any pools with a depth greater than 30cms, condemned Dr Stokes. Both organisations called for the government to review current advertising legislation and tighten requirements to provide retailers and customers with clarity.