Any pool that can be filled with 30cm of water or more must have pool fencing that complies with the law of your state or territory. This includes inflatable and portable pools. If you have an inflatable pool, bucket or other source of water, make sure you empty it after use and store it somewhere safe. 

Make sure there are no objects close to the fence or gate that children can climb on to get over the fence (for example, pot plants or outdoor furniture). 

See NSW Fair Trading for pool fencing requirements in NSW to see if your pool is compliant.

Never leave your pool gate open and make sure the gate shuts every time you enter and exit the area. 

Gates should close automatically without having to push them closed. Self-closing and self-latching devices can be purchased from your local pool and hardware shops. 

Make sure your child is familiar with water by spending time with them in water or through swimming lessons. The more water awareness your child has, the better. Don’t rely on their skills alone though, even if you think they are a strong swimmer.

It is a good idea to teach your child to ask for permission and supervision before swimming.

Supervision is the most important step you can take to keep your child safe in and around water. Don’t rely on floaties, pool noodles or other children to supervise a child in water. 

Young children will need your full attention in and around water. This includes not being distracted by mobile phones, household activities or conversations. Any distraction is dangerous and puts young children at risk around water. No task is worth risking your child's life for,

Below is a supervision guide only. If your child is not confident in the water, extra precautions and supervision strategies should be put into place. Minimum supervision considerations:

• children 0-5 should have a proficient adult within arm's reach in and around any body of water
• children 6-10 years old should be watched carefully by an adult with the ability to get in the water in the case of an emergency
• children 11-16 years old should be watched by an adult also should learn to swim themselves.

Tip: If you are at an outdoor party or barbeque, allocate at least one parent or carer to be on water watch. They could wear a hat or armband so that everyone knows. 

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving first aid technique that can be used if someone is not breathing properly or if their heart has stopped. 

In the case of a drowning, call Triple Zero (000) and start CPR. CPR involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth (rescue breaths) that help circulate blood and oxygen in the body. This can help keep the brain and vital organs alive. It's a skill that everyone should learn - you don't need to be a health professional to do it.

In Australia, the law requires you to have a CPR sign displayed near the pool. The sign must be in good condition and easily read from 3 metres away.

The knowledge and skills you learn may SAVE a LIFE. Remember, ANY attempt at CPR is better than no attempt.

Our free online CPR training modules for parents developed in partnership with clinicians from the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network aim to teach the steps involved in CPR for a babies (aged less than 12 months) and children (aged over one year). The steps can also be used on an adult.

See Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for children (under 12 months) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for children (over 12 months) for more information. 

These fact sheets and modules do not replace accredited training courses for CPR or first aid.