Last updated: 10 April 2025
A backyard pool is a great way for kids to have fun, stay active and cool off in the summer – but it also comes with serious safety risks. Drowning can happen in seconds, and young children are especially vulnerable. That’s why parents need to take proactive steps to create a safe swimming environment.
From active supervision and childproof pool barriers to pool toy safety, chemical storage, and first aid readiness, every precaution matters. This guide will walk you through the must-know pool safety tips to protect your children, prevent accidents and ensure your family enjoys the water safely.
Before you and your family step into the water, take a moment to review these essential pool safety tips to help keep everyone protected.
Active supervision: Why parents must always watch kids around water
Be a water watcher
The most important way to keep children and teenagers safe in and around the pool is to ensure they are actively supervised by an adult. Make sure you're organised and prepared with everything you need such as water, a hat, towel and dry clothes before you set up so you don't have to leave your child. You should also put your phone away so that your child has your full, undivided attention.
Children under the age of 5 years should always be within arm’s reach around water and never left unattended. It’s not enough to just have your child within line of sight. Drowning can happen extremely quickly (within 20 seconds), so being within an arm’s reach of your child means you’re in a better position to act fast and help them before drowning can occur.
For children 10 years and older, you must still actively supervise them. Ensure they are clearly visible at all times and that you are not too far away so that you can directly access them if needed.
During pool time assign a 'water watcher'. Give them a fun hat or accessory so everybody knows they are on watch duty, and they must keep their eyes on the pool all of the time. If there is a big group of kids during a gathering, always assign multiple water watchers.
Never leave a child in the water in the care of an older child. Even if you're at a local pool with lifeguards or have a fence around your home pool, you should never stop paying attention to the children in your care.
Childproof pool fencing and barriers: Keeping kids safe
Home swimming pools and spas must be fenced or have a childproof safety barrier. In fact, it’s illegal for them not to.
Ensure the pool meets legal requirements
A pool fence needs to be at least 1.2m high, must completely surround the pool and comply with Australian Standards and local state and territory rules. Pool fence regulations include rules on gates, climbable objects, and boundary fences.
Keep gates self-closing and self-latching
The gate should swing outward, away from the pool, and have a child proof lock mechanism that automatically latches when it swings shut. Always be vigilant to ensure the pool gate has latched shut each time anyone enters or exits the area. Never prop the gate open and be careful that objects aren’t lying around that could cause the gate to not close properly – towels for example.
Remove climbable objects
Ensure there is nothing near the fence a child could use to climb over, such as chairs, tables or toys.
Regularly inspect and maintain your pool barrier
Simply having a barrier around your pool or spa does not make it a safe space. Like many things around the home such as your car and even your heater, a regular service is necessary to ensure everything is still in working order. Your pool or spa barrier is no different.
In fact, a large number of swimming pool drownings incidents are a result of faulty or non-compliant pool fencing. Also check there aren’t any gaps under or in the fence that a child could climb under or through.
To make sure your pool or spa barrier is still in good working condition – regular maintenance is necessary. Over time, the functionality of your barrier can be affected by the weather and general wear and tear. It only takes 15 minutes to check your barrier thoroughly using Royal Life Saving Society Australia pool fencing app.
For more pool fence safety tips and resources, view the Victorian Government Kidsafe’s Safe Barriers Save Lives information.
Pool toy safety: Hidden dangers parents should know
Pool toys such as inflatable rings, balls, boards and noodles bring so much fun to pool time, however it's important to be aware that they also can be create drowning risks and accidents. Bright, interesting objects in the pool, may attract curious little ones. So keep pool toys stored away from the pool so that unattended kids don't try and get them out of the pool.
It’s also important to not leave anything lying around the pool which could cause an accident. Pool toys are a common culprit. Although they can bring hours of entertainment for the whole family, it isn’t fun to trip over them – especially if you trip into the pool! Make sure you (and the kids) pack away any toys or equipment.
Inflatables should be checked for leaks before use so that you know they are working correctly each time.
Pool chemicals and safety: Protecting kids from hidden hazards
Did you know that the chemicals used to clean home pools are hazardous? It’s important to keep pool chemicals out of the view and reach of children to avoid any accidents. Better yet, keep them locked away with childproof locks. When you are using the chemicals, always follow the directions on the label and don’t add more chemicals into the pool than required as this could cause skin and eye irritation. And that’s no fun!
First aid and CPR for pool emergencies
If you have a pool at home, it’s a great idea to do a first aid course and learn CPR. Many organisations around Australia provide CPR training, such as the Red Cross and St John Ambulance. First aid courses will equip you with potentially lifesaving skills if anyone gets into trouble in the water. Remember to update your first aid skills every three years to keep your knowledge and skills fresh in your mind.
Sun safety for swimming at the pool
A very important tip (not just for kids but everyone!) is to remember to pop on sunscreen every time you go outside. Putting on sunscreen around 30 minutes before you head out into the water will ensure it’s soaked into your skin and can keep you protected from the sun.
If you’re outside of the water, don’t forget to cover up those shoulders and put on a hat. You can also set up a shaded area, such as with an umbrella. This is a great addition to any outdoor pool setting!
Teaching kids water safety
Teaching your children water safety skills is an investment of time you won’t regret. Spend time with your child in water, having fun and engaging in water play. This is a great way to help your child feel comfortable in the water and build their confidence. It also provides an opportunity to speak to your child about water safety in an active way and in a range of locations like pools, baths and beaches.
Another way to get your child started with learning about swimming safety is with swimming lessons. Kingswim offers a range of swimming lessons for babies from 12 weeks upwards and toddlers, as well as older children. During our lessons, your child can become familiar with water and learn key water safety skills that will help them throughout their life. No matter your child’s age and swimming experience, we have a program to suit them.
Building confidence in the pool through swimming lessons
Understanding pool safety is essential, and developing strong swimming skills is another important step. Our swimming lessons help children build confidence in the water while reinforcing safe swimming habits. Kingswim operates swim schools across Australia, including Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
Find a location near you and enquire today to get started.