Be aware of any unlocked or faulty pool gates, keep a close watch on toddlers around inflatable pools, be cautious of sea conditions, and generally take care of yourselves and those around you when you are in the water this summer.

That is the clear holiday message from the NSW Government Ministers whose portfolios cover water safety in NSW.

Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher and Local Government Minister Don Page have marked the peak swimming period by reminding people to be safe and responsible around water this Christmas and New Year – particularly urging adults to supervise children when they are swimming at friends’ and relatives’ homes.

“The loss of a life to drowning anywhere, in any body of water, is tragic and regrettable, but the loss of a child’s life in a backyard swimming pool that they are supposed to be enjoying in summer, is particularly distressing,” said Mr Page, whose portfolio covers the Swimming Pools Act.

Mr Gallacher added: “The NSW Government is committed to improving water safety right across the State, that is why the Government is delivering on a number of key commitments designed to bring a stronger focus and enhanced resources to the issue of water safety.

“We have allocated $8 million for our Water Safety Black Spots Fund over the next four years, to allow for direct intervention such as fencing and signage at known high-risk drowning locations in NSW, as well as targeted education campaigns.

“The Government is also providing Surf Life Saving NSW with an additional $4 million over four years, to enhance the capacity of clubs to save lives in the surf,” said Mr Gallacher, whose portfolio covers water safety.

Mr Page has written to councils seeking their co-operation in promoting responsible swimming practices and general pool safety awareness in the community – particularly as there are many excellent sources of water safety information which are already available to the public.

“In a warm country which loves water and which has many swimming options, water safety and general swimming education is vital knowledge,” Mr Page said.
The Swimming Pool Laws Brochure and the Home Swimming Pool Safety Checklist are both published by the Division of Local Government and are available at the Division’s website, www.dlg.nsw.gov.au, or in print form from councils.

“There are clear guidelines for water safety in NSW and educational booklets, brochures and websites are available for councils – I feel it is important that people are made aware of the knowledge that is accessible to them,” Mr Page said.

“I recall the findings of the NSW Deputy Coroner Paul MacMahon, who stated that supervision is the first line of protection for young children when they are swimming, and that pool fencing gives added protection if ever supervision breaks down.

“I have written to councils urging them to work with the NSW Government to promote the importance of adult supervision of children in and near pools, and to explain the existing legal requirements pertaining to pool fences.”

The NSW Department of Fair Trading website, www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au, states the guidelines and requirements pertaining to inflatable pools, electrical pool products such as filters, and laws and regulations pertaining to spa pools.

"Consumers, retailers, tourism industry operators and anyone else dealing with pool safety must regularly check appliances and products, make sure gates and fencing are secure and keep an eye on children around pools," Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts said.

“Prevention, preparation and foresight is essential, because everyone has a role to play to keep this summer pool safe.”

The Home Pool Safety In A Box, was distributed to all councils last year and encourages pool owners to learn CPR. It is also available at the Royal Life Saving website, www.royalnsw.com.au.

“A Council’s contribution to educating about swimming safety should not be underestimated – they know when we lodge applications to build pools, they can inform us at a local level about the dangers and responsibilities of owning pools, and they can get the safety message through to communities easily,” Mr Page said.

“I call on councils to bring these swimming safety educational resources to the attention of pool owners and the broader community during the delivery of their water safety messages to ratepayers.

“And I call on the public to heed as much of the available advice as possible, to exercise caution and responsible practices around pools, to supervise children in and near pools, and to enjoy the water this summer.”