Over the last 20 years almost 500 Australian children under the age of five drowned. While all these drowning deaths are preventable, it is the 54% that occur in home swimming pools where your immediate action can make a difference.

Home pool fencing and effective supervision can reduce these tragic drowning deaths to zero. Royal Life Saving is targeting every home pool owner with a basic reminder to check, fix and maintain their home pool and surrounds this summer in order to eliminate child drowning.

Disclaimer: This checklist does not substitute for a pool inspection and is for educational purposes only. Pool owners should consider getting a professional assessment of their pool’s compliance.

Swimming Pool Gate

• Must open outward from pool

• Must be self closing and self latching

• Latch must be more than 1.5m from the ground

• Must latch shut on the first swing

1. Does gate swing back to the closed position after being opened? (If No - Replace hinges)

2. Does gate latch and stay closed after it returns to the closed position?No - Replace latch

3. Is gate secure so that it can’t be pulled open once latched?No - Fix or replace latch

4. Is gate secure and doesn’t open if a child bounces on the bottom rail of the gate?No - Fix or replace latch

5. Are you aware of the dangers of propping the gate open?

6. Is the gap between the gate and the fence less than 100mm?No - Reduce the gap

Swimming Pool Fence

• Secure and in good working order

• No more than 100mm from the ground

• Should be at least 1.2m high

• No vertical gaps more than 100mm apart

1. Are all of the fence panels in place?

2. Are all of the fence panels securely attached?

3. Have you checked the fence for gaps or holes?

4. Is the distance between the bottom rail and the ground less than 100mm?

5. Have you checked for rusted, loose or missing screws?

Around the Swimming Pool Fence

• Pool aids and toys should be stored securely and out of view

• Objects that could be used to climb the fence should be removed from the area

1. Have climbable objects near the pool fence been removed? i.e. chairs, ladders, trees, pot plants, BBQ’s.

2. Are toys always removed from the pool and stored securely after use?

3. Have trees or shrubs near the fence been trimmed so that children can’t use them to climb the fence?

Yes No - Replace fence panelsYes No - Secure panelsYes No - Check and fix fenceYes No - Reduce the gapYes No - Check and replace