SCHOOL HOLIDAY WARNING – UNSAFE POOLS A “DEATH TRAP”
December, January and February are the deadliest months for drownings in backyard and community pools – so we ask you, is your pool compliant?
Recent tragedies across the country have prompted us at Ace to push the message harder than ever, and ensure your community isn’t home to a potential “death trap”.
As the summer school holidays swiftly approach, strata communities are being urged to crack down on pool safety.
We agree that swimming pools are an excellent, fun filled part of strata community living, but without regular oversight and management, they can quickly become a high risk environment in communities with a high number of young families.
In terms of high risk periods for drownings, summer has it all (with pools accounting for a significant percentage) and it is important special efforts are made to ensure pools are compliant.
Evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths in pools are as a result of fencing that is faulty or non-compliant with Australian Standards, and it speaks to how preventable drownings can be.
Such a tragic circumstance as a child drowning is so easily avoided, and we’re concerned on the back of some recent media reports that non compliant fencing is a widespread issue across Australia.
Random inspections by Victoria councils found the “vast majority” did not comply with State Government standards, 1 in 4 Brisbane pools are non compliant and we have every reason to suspect that there are a significant number of death traps lurking in strata communities in every region
The peak strata body in Victoria, Strata Community Australia (Vic) recently said….
“It’s the responsUNSAFE POOLS ibility of strata schemes to maintain the best interests of their community, and in communities with a high number of families, safe-proofing communal areas and facilities such as pools and spas from potentially life-threatening situations must be high on the agenda.”
… and at Ace, we couldn’t agree more.
Life threatening situations can take place at any time at any place, and regardless of when your next inspection is due, we encourage strata communities to be proactive, especially as we enter a high risk time.UNSAFE POOLS
Ace is urging strata communities to familiarise themselves with the following checklists for pool safety, and to share these instructions internally in your communities.
UNSAFE POOLS
TOP 5 POOL SAFETY TIPSUNSAFE POOLS
- Closely supervise children at all times around the pool/spa
- Ensure that all gates and doors that lead to the pool area are self-closing and self-latching
- Never leave the pool gate propped open
- Check the safety barrier for any gaps, holes or spaces that a child could try to get through
- Keep climbable objects (barbecues, tree stumps, chairs etc.) away from the pool barrier
Kids Alive are urging all pool owners to “DO THE FIVE”
- Fence the pool
- Shut the Gate
- Teach your kids to swim- it’s great
- Supervise- watch your mate and
- Learn how to resuscitate
The content presented above is not intended to be advice and you should not rely on it as a substitute for any form of advice. This content is intended to be used for general information purposes only and may or may not reference the varied and constantly evolving strata legislation in each state and territory of Australia. It is always recommended that you seek independent legal instruction for interpretation of relevant strata legislation in your relevant state or territory.
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Ace Body Corporate Management
www.acebodycorp.com.au
