Play safe in the pool this Christmas

According to the Royal Life Saving Australia 2019 National Drowning Report, 19 children under five died from drowning in 2018-19. There was also a close call in our region earlier this month.

With Christmas just around the corner, council is reminding residents to avoid buying wading pools or spas unless they first have compliant fencing.

As part of Queensland Government legislation, fencing is required around all wading pools and spas that can be filled to a depth of 300mm or more. Failure to meet the guidelines can incur penalties.

The laws were introduced to help save young lives by preventing children from accessing swimming pools, wading pools or spas unsupervised.

Residents who do not have access to a compliant pool are reminded that the lifeguard-patrolled Bluewater Lagoon is open from 9am to 5.45pm every day except Christmas over the festive season.

For more details on pool fencing requirements visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.