THE State Government has launched a campaign to warn people about the dangers of inflatable pools.
On average, one child dies from drowning in a portable pool every year, with others needing hospital treatment and some suffering permanent brain damage.
The State Government has launched the Don’t Duck Out, Make It SAFE campaign.
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READ NOWIt urges parents to Supervise, Act, Fence and Empty.
Supervise: actively watch children within arm’s reach. Don’t leave children in charge.
Act: learn CPR – know to start compressions and breaths as soon as possible when a child is pulled from the water and to call triple zero (000) for help.
Fence: In WA and most parts of Australia, pools with more than 30cm of water in, are legally required to have a compliant safety barrier. Check with your local council.
Empty: For pools that don’t need to be fenced, keep watch all day, then pour out the water and store away from children, in a place where it can’t refill with rain or sprinkler water.
Several major Australian retailers have agreed to display Don’t Duck Out, Make It SAFE promotional materials in store and/or put stickers on portable pool products.
For more information, visit http://www.productsafety.gov.au/makeitsafe:
“It’s crucial that consumers comply with the legal requirements to fence portable pools that are deeper than 30cm, otherwise they risk a fine of up to $5000,” Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said.
“Suppliers of portable pools failing to comply with the mandatory standard can also face hefty penalties, up to $1.1 million.
“Since July, Consumer Protection inspectors have visited about 50 stores and checked more than 290 portable pools. I’m pleased that only one paddling pool and one inflatable spa did not comply with warning label requirements for retail packaging.”