17 Oct Safe, Fun and Splash-Proof: One Mum’s Pool Safety Rules for Summer
As summer heats up, pool safety becomes every parent’s top priority.
Brisbane mum Sofia shares her non-negotiable water safety rules, while experts explain how to keep kids safe and pool water healthy all season long.
As the weather warms up, backyard pools across Australia and New Zealand will soon become the heart of summer fun. But while splashing and games are part of the joy, parents know how quickly things around water can take a serious turn.
Last year, 357 Australians lost their lives to drowning — a 27% increase on the 10-year average — and experts say it’s not just fences that keep kids safe. The pool environment itself, from water quality to supervision, plays a huge role in keeping families healthy and happy all summer long.
Making pool safety second nature
For Brisbane mum of two, Sofia, safety has always been non-negotiable. “My kids are older now and strong swimmers, but when their younger cousins or friends come over, I’m extra careful,” she says. “From having secure fencing and self-latching gates to making sure an adult is always watching, it’s about creating a space where everyone can enjoy the water with confidence.”
Little routines give Sofia peace of mind — toys are cleared from the pool when not in use, furniture is kept away from the fence, and the pool gate is checked regularly. A CPR chart hangs in plain sight, something she hopes she’ll never need but feels better having close by.
Why water quality matters too
According to Emily McKenzie, a pool care expert, supervision and secure fencing are vital, but families often overlook the water itself. “A pool can look fine but still be unhealthy,” she says. “If the water isn’t balanced, it can carry bacteria or parasites that cause skin or ear infections. Keeping the water healthy helps protect everyone who jumps in.”
Emily’s advice is simple: focus on the basics — regular checks, clean water, and active adult supervision. “There’s no substitute for a responsible adult being within arm’s reach of kids under five,” she adds. “Drowning can happen silently and in seconds.”
Your backyard pool safety checklist
A quick safety check can make all the difference before summer starts.
Poolwerx Pool Safety Checklist
- Check your pool fence: It must be at least 1.2m high, with slats no more than 100mm apart.
- Remove climbable objects: Keep chairs, tables, pot plants and toys well away from the fence.
- Check your pool gate: It should self-close and self-latch every time — and never be propped open.
- Clear the pool after use: Store toys away so little ones aren’t tempted to reach in.
- Display a CPR chart: Hang one near the pool where everyone can see it.
These simple habits have become second nature for families like Sofia’s — helping everyone enjoy safe, worry-free summer days by the pool.
Pool information provided by Poolwerx. Find your Poolwerx expert here .
