Safe Summer Guide Your easy reference guide for having fun and playing it safe in your backyard pool
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It’s backyard pool season, let’s keep it safe! Remember those carefree days of laughter, ice blocks, and endless fun in the family pool? As idyllic as those moments were, our home swimming pools can also pose significant dangers, particularly for children. Shockingly, 52% of drownings in Australia occur in home swimming pools.
25%
of parents said there has been an incident of a child accessing the pool area without supervision!
Save lives this summer with safe gates & supervision
The perfect pool party is a safe one 97% of pool owners said they will host a party at their house this summer. With 85% of families worried about their children swimming at someone else’s house, there is a duty of care we must live up to. As a responsible pool owner, you need to check and make sure your backyard pool is safe!
Supervision is a must when children are in the pool
Pool gates Gate(s) should open outwards, away from the pool Latch release knob at least 1500mm above ground level Gate must be self-closing and self-latching Gate hinges should be rust-free and bind-free Gate carries reliable, tension-adjustable hinges
Latch must be adjustable for height and width Hinges must be adjustable for closing tension Latch cannot be key locked in the “open” position Latch cannot be disengaged using implements Gate latch cannot be shaken or lifted open Gate will shut securely from any open angle or force Gate complies with all Australian Standards for pools
Pool fences & surrounds Fence panels should be secure and in good working order There should be no gaps or holes in the fence Check for missing, loose, or rusted fence screws Gap under fence to ground should be less than 100mm Objects that a child could climb on should be removed Pot plants must be a minimum of 90cm away from fence Remove all toys from the pool so they are not tempting Lock all pool chemicals in an area well away from children IMPORTANT: Information above is supplied and expressed by D&D Technologies in the interests of consumer and public safety. For specific details or copies of Australian Standards relating to gate and fence safety please contact Standards Australia in your nearest city, or by calling the national office on 1800 035 822, or visit www.standards.com.au
Invest in the best protection It only takes a few minutes to check that your pool fences and gates, including the latch and hinges, are in good working order. Do you have a latch that locks? Kids are drawn to water, and easily motivated to get into a pool, so you need to have multiple layers of protection. Research shows only 30% of pool owners have an extra lock that would prevent a child gaining access. We need to be vigilant, providing a reliable and compliant first line of defence. Many pool inspectors recommend Australian-made and invented MagnaLatch®. With a keyable lock and visual lock indicator, they are the safest, most effective option for pool gates. Add TruClose® self closing polymer gate hinges, this combination has saved countless lives for the past three decades. Do the safest thing for your family and friends and invest in the best pool safety security available.
Securing glass pool fencing Glass fences can also offer the best gate latch security with two MagnaLatch® ‘Side-Pull’ options available. They mount to the glass gate from inside the pool fence ensuring a sleek finish.
MagnaLatch® Series 3 Our most trusted magnetic child safety gate latch with industry leading technology and advanced safety features. Easily adjustable, high-security lock rekeyable to match existing locks.
MagnaLatch® Side Pull Lockable A versatile, magnetic gate latch for metal or glass pool or household gates. Key lockable and round post models available. Strong polymer construction will not rust or corrode.
TruClose® Hinges Adjustable, self-closing hinges for child-safety or general-purpose gates. Available in a range of models to suit gate materials and regular or heavy duty applications.
TruClose Hinge Safety Cap Helps prevent toddlers using the bottom gate hinge as a climbing foothold.
Make a pool party splash From party themes, to food and games, here are a few ideas to make your pool party a splash with your guests
Set a theme - A theme is a fun way to bring your party together. Use it as inspiration for everything from the food to decor, even the dress code. Relaxing in style - Keep things relaxed with a boho vibe with low tables surrounded by rugs and lots of pillows. Or add a pop of colour with vibrant pillows and blankets. For the land lubbers - Sometimes guests prefer to stay dry, keep them occupied with fun games on your lawn. Bocce, quoits or french cricket are fun favourites. Kids space - Don’t forget the kids, have a basket full of pool toys and an arts and crafts station to keep them occupied outside the pool. If you do have kids at the party, it is your roll as host to keep an eye on them at all times. Outdoor cooking - What is a pool party without a barbecue? Cook outside with your guests. The last thing you want is a heavy meal on a summers day and before getting in the pool so try light finger foods and a delicious seasonal salad. Keeping your cool - What about having an outdoor bar with fresh and easy cocktails or a drinks dispenser full of punch. Have lots of cold non alcoholic drinks handy for those hot summer days and nights. Drying off - Have a convenient supply of towels by your pool area to keep guests dry before they come inside. Sunscreen Smart - Have a sunscreen station to remind your guests to retouch their sunscreen. Adding a few beautiful hydrating mists will keep your guests fresh all day and night.
Play it safe! Everyone loves a pool party during summer and there are a few tips our friends from Kids Alive Do The Five would like to share to make it safe and fun!
1
Be prepared If you are going to be in the pool make sure you are prepared so you don’t have any excuse to leave the pool area. Kids should never be left alone, not even for just a minute. Bring all towels, toys, hats, snacks and drinks you need with you.
2
Supervision is a must If children are in the pool than an adult should always be watching and be within the pool area. Active supervision takes it one step further by ensuring you are within arms reach of children. This is safer, more fun and cooler way to enjoy swim time with family and friends.
3
Never prop the gate open It might seem easier to leave a gate propped open when you are having a party to let people in and out easily, but this is a dangerous practice. Gates are the first line of defence in preventing drownings so they must always be closed.
4
Take the toys out Once the party is over make sure to clear the area of any toys or inflatables that might entice a little one to want to get in.
5
Have fun Safety comes first but a pool party is also about having fun, connecting with your loved ones and being active.
Remember, Kids Alive do the Five 1
Fence the pool
2
Shut the gate
3
Teach your kids to swim , its great
4
Supervise, watch your mate
5
Learn how to resuscitate
TM