A large number of child drowning deaths involve barriers that are faulty or non-compliant with Australian Standards.
Is your backyard pool set for this summer?
Despite significant reductions in toddler drowning deaths over time, drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under 5 years of age. Statistics from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia show that in 2023/24, 15 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned, with swimming pools being one of the most common location where these incidents occurred.
While pool and spa barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths involve barriers that are faulty, or non-compliant with Australian standards.
Kidsafe’s ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign urges all pool and spa owners to check their barriers in the lead up to the warmer months.
The campaign also promotes the importance of other water safety measures to keep children safe around water, including active adult supervision, CPR/first aid knowledge and water awareness.
The ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign is proudly supported by
