The Western Australian government has issued an urgent safety plea to parents and carers as the state enters a blistering summer heatwave, emphasising that constant vigilance and secure pool barriers are non-negotiable for child safety.
Heatwave Heightens Drowning Risk for Young Children
With Perth forecast to swelter through a 41-degree Celsius Christmas Day, the focus on water safety has intensified. The combination of school holidays, festive gatherings, and extreme heat significantly increases the risk of drowning incidents in backyard pools.
Swimming pool drownings remain a leading cause of accidental death and life-changing injury for Australian children under five. According to Royal Life Saving data, a alarming more than 40 per cent of toddler drowning deaths occur in domestic swimming pools, with the pool gate being the most common point of access.
The Critical Role of Barriers and Supervision
State building laws mandate that any private swimming pool, spa, or portable pool capable of holding water deeper than 30 centimetres must have a compliant safety barrier. While these barriers are a vital line of defence, authorities stress they are not a substitute for active adult supervision.
"With the warm weather and holiday season approaching, it is vital parents and carers keep constant watch and restrict access to water around the home," said Peter Leaversuch, Chief Executive of Royal Life Saving Society WA.
He highlighted specific dangers, including propped-open pool gates and children using furniture, toys, or plant pots to climb over fences. "Drowning in children is quick and silent and a momentary lapse of supervision can be a matter of life and death," Mr Leaversuch warned.
A Call to Action for All Western Australians
Commerce Minister Tony Buti echoed the urgent message, noting that backyard pools are a staple of WA's summer but can turn tragic in an instant. "These devastating incidents can happen quickly, silently and even in relatively shallow water," Dr Buti stated.
The plea extends to owners of portable or temporary pools, popular during the festive season, which are subject to the same strict barrier requirements as in-ground pools.
Key safety actions for all households include:
- Ensuring pool gates are never left propped open and close automatically and securely.
- Conducting immediate checks that pool fences and gates are in full working order.
- Maintaining constant, active adult supervision—never leaving young children in the care of older siblings near water.
- Removing objects near pool fences that could be used for climbing.
The government urges all residents to use available online resources, including a homeowner checklist, to verify their pool barrier compliance and help prevent a summer tragedy.
