NSW: Keep children safe around inflatable pools

Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts today issued a safety warning to parents and carers about the importance of supervising young children at all times around inflatable pools.

Mr Roberts said while inflatable pools appear to be harmless; the risk of children drowning in a small amount of water is a reality.

“Inflatable pools are an iconic form of family entertainment in the warmer months but children left alone are still at risk of drowning and I urge parents and carers to remain vigilant.

“Inflatable pools only take up a small amount of room but they should always be emptied and safely stored away when they are not being used.

“This will also prevent a child falling ill from dirty water,” Mr Roberts said.

In NSW, an average of ten children under five years of age drown in backyard swimming pools each year, with a further 36 children suffering permanent brain injuries from swimming pool accidents.

Mr Roberts said all pools which can be filled to a depth of 300mm or more, must have adequate safety barriers in place.

“It is important to remember that as a parent or carer, you are often the safety barrier around an inflatable pool. Always supervise young children, no matter how confident they may seem in the water.

“Read the labelling on the product for important safety information.

“If the pool comes with an electric pump, make sure it has an electrical safety approval number or Regulatory Compliance Mark,” Mr Roberts said.

NSW Fair Trading provides a number of safety guidelines for consumers on pool safety and fencing requirements.

For more information on swimming pool safety visit the Fair Trading website.

Contact details

General inquiries