Pool Safety: Know the Basics

There’s nothing quite like a dip in your own backyard pool — laughter echoing, the smell of sunscreen in the air, and that splash! that means summer has officially arrived. But when you’ve got little ones around, pool time should always come with a healthy dose of safety planning. Here’s how to keep your pool area fun and safe for the whole family.

🏡 1. Fence It Right — Know the Australian Standards

Your pool fence isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s your first line of defence. In Australia, pool fencing laws are strict — and for good reason. The standards vary slightly by state, but they all fall under the national Australian Standard AS1926.1–2012.

Here’s what that means in simple terms:

• Your pool fence must be at least 1.2 metres high.

• There should be no gaps wider than 100mm anywhere that a child could squeeze through.

• Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swinging outward (away from the pool).

• No climbable objects — think pot plants, chairs, or pool toys — within 900mm of the fence.

If your pool area hasn’t had a compliance check in a while, it’s worth booking one in. A small adjustment could prevent a big accident.

❤️ 2. Display a CPR Poster — It’s the Law (and Could Save a Life)

Did you know it’s a legal requirement in Australia to display a CPR sign in your pool area? It must be easy to read, weatherproof, and clearly visible from anywhere near the pool.

Beyond ticking the box, it’s genuinely one of the simplest, smartest safety steps you can take. In an emergency, even the most confident swimmer can freeze — a CPR chart can jog your memory when seconds count.

You can pick one up from hardware stores, pool shops, or download the latest Australian Resuscitation Council-approved version online. Just make sure it’s the current version and securely attached (because nothing says “uncool” like a CPR poster peeling off the fence mid-summer).

🩹 3. Keep a Pool-Friendly First Aid Kit Nearby

Accidents happen — even with the safest setups. A basic first aid kit tailored for pool use can make a huge difference. Keep it in a waterproof container and stocked with:

• Waterproof bandages and dressings

• Bandaids

• Towel

• Saline solution (for rinsing eyes or small wounds)

• Antiseptic wipes

• Tweezers (for the occasional splinter or bee sting)

• Cold packs

• A resuscitation mask or face shield

Make sure everyone in the household knows where it’s stored — ideally in a dry, easily accessible spot near the pool but out of reach of young children.

☀️ Bonus Tips from a Swim Instructor’s Perspective

• Never assume a child is safe just because they “can swim.” Even confident swimmers can get tired, startled, or slip.

• Remove pool toys when you’re done swimming — they can tempt little ones back to the water unsupervised.

• Keep supervision active. “Just for a minute” is the most dangerous sentence in pool safety.

🌊Your backyard pool should be a place of joy — not anxiety. With a compliant fence, a visible CPR sign, and a well-stocked first aid kit, you’re creating a space where your kids can splash safely, and you can relax knowing you’ve got everything covered.

Because nothing says Aussie summer like happy kids, safe swimming, and parents who can actually enjoy the BBQ instead of worrying about the pool gate.