Royal Life Saving Drowning Report

October 23, 2019

With the weather warming up, the backyard pool is the ideal place to keep the kids active and entertained.

Now’s also the perfect time to check that your pool area is safe.

Why?

 

Well, the 2019 Royal Life Saving Australia National Drowning Report shows:

• 12 toddlers (aged between 0 and 4) drowned in swimming pools in 2018/19.
• An increased risk for drownings during school holidays.
• Over 60 per cent of drowning deaths occurred in the warmer months of spring and summer.

What should you check in your pool area?

• Does your pool gate self-latch and self-close?
• Is your fence at least 1.2 metres tall?
• Is your gate latch mechanism 1.5 metres above the ground?
• Do you have a CPR chart on your pool wall?
• Do you have objects near your pool - chairs, tables, BBQ or pot plants - that children could use to climb over the pool fence?

A 10-point Pool Safety Checklist can be downloaded here. 

The importance of pool fencing

When it comes to pool fencing, the gate is the weakest link. Low-quality or poorly maintained gates, latches and hinges can fail, and older children often prop open gates, leaving curious toddlers vulnerable.

Former Aussie Olympic Swimming Coach and Water Safety Ambassador, Laurie Lawrence is asking all pool owners to check the safety of their pool gates. 

“Kids gaining access to pools because of faulty gates is something that should not be happening. Pool owners need to check their fences, latches and hinges regularly. A gate that is not self-closing and self-latching provides instant and often undetected access for toddlers to the pool area,” Laurie said.

By installing a pool gate using Aussie-made MagnaLatch^® Child Safety Gate latches and TruClose^® Child Safety Gate Hinges you’ll be providing peace of mind to your family.

The multi-award-winning MagnaLatch^® is the world’s most trusted pool safety gate latch. Over the years it has protected countless toddlers and pets from entering pools or other danger areas.

The MagnaLatch^® magnetic mechanism ensures self-latching every time, with no jamming. The lift knob is ergonomic and child resistant. It can be affixed to metal or wood gates and demonstrates superior performance in extreme climates, especially our Aussie summers. A visual red-dot indicator in the key-lock mechanism reveals locked or unlocked status.

TruClose^® Hinges ensure your pool gate self-closes. They are quick and easy to install and won’t rust, bind, sag or stain. They are made from super-strong polymer and stainless steel, are Australian made and owned and feature a lifetime warranty.

Follow the “Kids Alive do the Five” these school holidays…

• Fence the pool
• Shut the gate
• Teach your kids to swim…it’s great
• Supervise – watch your mate and,
• Learn how to resuscitate.

 

For further information about our MagnaLatch^® and TruClose Hinges^®, please feel free to call us on (02) 9454 7888 or email.

 

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