With summer approaching, Consumer Protection has re-launched a child safety campaign highlighting the dangers of children drowning in portable pools.
The Don’t Duck Out, Make it SAFE campaign involves product safety regulators throughout Australia, including Consumer Protection in WA, joining forces with the Royal Life Saving Society to raise awareness of safety measures aimed at preventing children from drowning.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Lanie Chopping said portable pools, ranging from small blow-up or plastic paddling pools to bigger wading pools, inflatable spas or high-sided flexible plastic pools, could be popular as a cheap alternative to below-ground pools, but they were just as dangerous.
Ms Chopping said now was the time for parents and carers of children to consider the risks before purchasing or using a portable pool.
“It’s timely to warn people about the drowning risk associated with portable pools as the weather warms up and many are considering buying a portable pool for the backyard or as a Christmas gift,” Ms Chopping said.
“We have again partnered with Royal Life Saving to run Don’t Duck Out, Make It SAFE, to educate consumers of the responsibilities you take on when you buy a portable pool, which focuses on constant supervision and may include putting up a safety barrier.”
She said it was important not to be distracted by a visitor to the home or by the phone if you were caring for children who had access to a portable pool.
“If the pool contains more than 30 centimetres of water, it is required to be fenced and the gate will need to have an approved locking device,” Ms Chopping said.
