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Young children can access pools quickly and quietly, which is why strong safety measures are essential. Simple steps like checking your pool gate daily, keeping climbable objects away from the fence, and maintaining clear water can help reduce risks. A compliant fence and regular pool safety checks help create a safer environment for kids and toddlers.
Why Pool Safety Matters For Kids & Toddlers
Backyard swimming pools are a much loved part of Aussie family life, especially during warm summer days. They bring families together – and they also carry real risks for young children.
The 2025 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report records 357 drowning deaths, 27% higher than the ten year average, which you can read >here . The report also records 15 drowning deaths of children under five, with around half occurring in home swimming pools.
Reassuringly, many pool accidents can be prevented. With the right safety measures in place, families and the community greatly reduce risk and create a safer environment for kids and toddlers around backyard swimming pools and spas.
This guide covers the most important pool safety tips every parent should follow, especially with children under five.
Essential Pool Safety Tips
Young children are naturally curious, quick and quiet and can enter a pool area without being noticed for drowning to happen in less than 30 seconds. Assumptions that “someone is watching” or “the gate is shut” leads to dangerous situations. Pool safety works best when several safety measures are in place together, including supervision and physical barriers. Australian Pool Safety Laws are designed to help protect children where daily awareness and regular checks play a very important role in keeping families safe.
Pool Safety Checklist for Parents
1. Install a compliant pool fence and gate
A compliant pool fence is one of the most important safety measures for protecting young children from accessing the pool.
Your pool fence must
- Be at least 1200 mm high
- Have no gaps wider than 100 mm
- Have no climbable objects within 900 mm
- Fully enclose the pool area
The gate must
- Open outward, away from the pool
- Self close from any position
- Self latch every time
If the gate does not self close and self latch properly, the pool does not meet safety requirements and can place children at risk.
2. Check the pool gate every single day
Pool gates can stop working properly over time.
- Hinges may loosen
- Latches may stick, and
- Gates may stop self closing or closing fully
A 2-min Gate Latch Check keeps your pool area safer. Do this by
- Opening the gate fully and letting it close on its own
- Checking that the latch clicks into place
- Making sure nothing blocks the gate
If the gate does not close completely or self-close from 100mm away from the latch post, arrange repairs as soon as possible.
3. Remove climbable objects near the fence
Children only need one small object for access to the pool area. Chairs, pot plants, eskies and toys placed near the fence makes this access easy.
Keep the NCZ Non Climbable Zone clear at all times. This includes keeping it clear of
- outdoor furniture
- storage items and
- ride on toys
that children could use to climb.
4. Never rely on supervision alone
Always make sure one responsible adult is actively watching children near water. Supervision is important. Distractions can happen quickly during parties, BBQs and family gatherings – or even just checking the kitchen.
Using physical barriers such as fencing, gates and secure doors adds an important layer of protection around the pool area.
5. Keep pool water clear and equipment secure
A clean pool is a safe pool.
Check regularly
- Pool water is clean and clear
- Skimmer box lids are secure and clear of the NCZ Non-Climbable Zone
- Pump and filter systems are working properly
- No sharp edges or broken tiles
Good maintenance keeps the pool safe and supports a faster response if an emergency occurs.
6. Install and maintain a CPR sign
CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Pool Sign saves lives, with clear guidance and steps such as calling Triple 000 in times of emergency.
Place your CPR sign
- 3m within the pool area
- In clear view
- Making sure it’s easy to read
Common Pool Safety Mistakes Parents Make
It’s easy to think the pool area is safe. Common mistakes that are a risk include
- Assuming shallow water is safe
- Relying on verbal rules with toddlers
- Gates that only self close sometimes
- Temporary furniture placed near the fence
- Letting compliance certificates expire
Constant care, supervision and proper safety barriers remain essential.
Pool Safety For Kids & Toddlers
Pool safety requires ongoing attention.
Regular checks, proper maintenance and following the Australian ad your state pool safety laws create a safer environment for children and the community.
The safest pools use several layers of protection, including
- Supervision
- Fencing
- Working gates, and
- Visible emergency information.
Unsure about your pool’s safety or compliance?
Going over our Checklist and Booking An Inspection with a Licensed Pool Safety Inspector provides peace of mind to protect your family and the community.
Make sure your pool is compliant safe, and ready – not just for Summer, but all year round.
Happy Pool Safety For Kids & Toddlers
Download our Free Safe Summer Pool Checklist
To make pool safety easier, we have created a free one page Safe Summer Pool Checklist. It helps you quickly check the most common risk areas and prepare your pool for the holidays.
Double tap the image below and save directly to your phone.
Or hit Download Now to save to your files and use as a real-time fillable checklist.
This checklist is a general summer safety reminder only. It is not a full pool compliance checklist and does not replace a formal inspection. If you are unsure about your pool’s safety or compliance, Book An Inspection with your licensed pool safety inspector.
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