Released 30/11/2017
The ACT Government is calling on Canberrans with backyard pools to be extra vigilant this summer as part of the government’s campaign to raise awareness about pool safety.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman today announced the continuation of the Backyard Lifeguard campaign, which was first launched last summer.
The Minister also announced that the Government would begin consultation on a scheme to improve backyard pool safety.
“The government is committed to increasing the safety of children around backyard swimming pools, and we want to hear from the community and industry members on how the government can implement better pool safety measures across the community,” Minister Gentleman said.
“We know there are at least 8,000 pools in Canberra homes and, given what we know about the age of these pools, it is possible that half of them have child barriers that do not entirely meet current safety standards.”
“We already have a strong framework for new pools and new work conducted on existing pool barriers but, as a community, there is more that we can do. I expect consultation to begin once the 2017-18 Backyard Lifeguard campaign finishes.”
The 2017-18 Backyard Lifeguard, launched today by Minister Gentleman, will include messages about checking pool safety barriers.
“It is extremely important that Canberrans with pools take extra care during these warmer months,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The home swimming pool is the most common location for drowning death and injury for young children in the ACT.
“It’s not only children that live at houses with pools that drown, children of friends and relatives that may be visiting, or children from neighbouring properties, are also at risk.
“As a community we are all responsible for safety around pools and together we can reduce the risk of children drowning in swimming pools in the ACT. People can be a backyard lifeguard this summer by following a few simple steps:
- actively supervise children in and around the pool at all times
- know how to perform CPR which can save lives and, if performed early, help reduce serious or long-term injuries
- check pool barriers meet current safety standards
- teach kids to swim and be safe around pools
- keep pool barriers clear of objects and plants kids can use to climb into the pool area
- ensure the pool gate is shut at all times.
“During the Backyard Lifeguard campaign I encourage pool owners to pick up a copy of the pool barrier checklist which will be available from public libraries, public swimming pools and some pool shops as well as online at www.act.gov.au/backyardlifeguard. The checklist allows pool owners to conduct a self-assessment on the level of safety provided by their pool barrier,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
The Backyard Lifeguard campaign will be promoted across of a variety of channels including television, cinema, radio, print, online, social media and back of bus advertising. Printed material such as flyers and the pool barrier checklist will also be distributed through public libraries, public swimming pools and community events such as the Royal Canberra Show.
Royal Life Saving ACT, KidsAlive, Kidsafe, and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia are all key supporters of the backyard lifeguard campaign.
For more information about the Backyard Lifeguard campaign and proposed pool safety reforms visit www.act.gov.au/backyardlifeguard.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases