Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Australia for children under the age of five.

If you own or live near a pool or spa, we want you to be a backyard lifeguard. As a community, we are all responsible for safety around pools and spas.

Here are our tips on what you can do to keep kids safe:

  • Check pool barriers meet required safety standards and restrict kid's access to pools
  • Supervise kids in and around your pool or spa at all times
  • Know CPR, which saves lives and helps reduce serious or long-term injuries
  • Teach your kids to swim and be safe around pools

For more information on swimming pool safety requirements in the ACT visit Home swimming pool safety reforms.

3 adults wearing red and yellow zinc sunscreen, with text reading be a backyard lifeguard this summer

Check pool barriers and restrict access

Pool barriers are designed to help restrict access to a swimming pool or spa pool area.

Make sure your pool gate is shut at all times. Keep barriers clear of objects and plants that kids can climb on.

From 1 May 2024, all pool owners will be legally required to properly maintain their safety barriers and ensure that all doors, gates and covers providing access to the swimming pool or spa are kept securely closed when not in use.

Supervise and know CPR

The home swimming pool or spa is the most common place for injury and drowning for kids under five in the ACT.

While a vital safety measure, pool barriers alone should not be relied on to protect against drowning risks. We strongly encourage people to always closely supervise kids while they are in and around the pool and know how to perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In addition, the closer you supervise kids in the pool, the quicker you can respond if an issue arises. Early action saves lives.

Resuscitation refers to the actions taken to keep a casualty alive after their breathing and heartbeat has stopped. Resuscitation can mean the difference between life and death and early intervention with CPR can and will save lives and help to reduce serious or long-term injuries. By taking the time to learn about resuscitation, you could save someone's life.

Arm yourself with the skills and knowledge to save young lives – the Royal Live Saving Society offer resuscitation courses providing people with training and knowledge in a range of areas including CPR.

Pool safety signage placed in the pool or spa area is also a good way to constantly remind you of what to do in the event of an emergency. These signs detail the DRSABCD first aid method.

D – Danger? – Check for danger to yourself, the patient and bystanders.

R – Response? – Check the patient for response by talk (i.e. ask name) and touch (i.e. squeeze shoulders).

S – Send for help – if unresponsive send for help by calling triple zero (000). Stay with the patient until qualified personnel arrive.

A – Airway – open airway and ensure it is clear. If not, roll the patient onto their side and clear the airway.

B – Breathing – Check for breathing (look, listen and feel). If the patient is not breathing normally then start CPR. If they are breathing normally place the patient in the recovery position, monitor breathing, manage injuries and treat for shock.

C – CPR – Start CPR (30 chest compressions : 2 rescue breaths) and continue until help arrives or patient recovers.

D – Apply defibrillator if available and follow prompts.

A CPR Pool Poster is available from the Royal Life Saving Shop.