Owning a pool is a big responsibility. Although most toddler drownings do not occur in residential swimming pools, it is up to you to ensure all necessary steps are taken to prevent the possibility of a child drowning in your pool or spa.

Whilst a pool fence that complies with the Building Act and any additional local council requirements is mandatory, there are other very important and most effective prevention measures you can use.

Drowning is the major cause of accidental death of children under 5 years of age. With this in mind, the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) has identified four key prevention factors that should be used to reduce these statistics. These are:

    * Supervision - to ensure that your child is watched at all times.
    * Pool fencing - to prevent your child from entering pool surrounds.
    * Water familiarisation - to enable your child to be familiar and confident at simple tasks that help them keep afloat in water.
    * Resuscitation skills - to increase your ability to assist an unconscious victim therefore providing them with a greater chance of survival.