Need for the campaign
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for Australian children under 5 years of age.
Statistics from Royal Life Saving show that during the 12 month period from July 2013 – June 2014, 20 Australian children aged 0-4 drowned. Backyard pools are the most common location for childhood drowning to occur, accounting for 70% of child drowning deaths in 2013/14.
Aims/objectives
- To encourage pool owners check the safety of their pool barriers.
- To engage the public in discussion around the importance of maintaining their pool fences.
- To increase water safety awareness and knowledge of parents and carers.
Campaign approach
Kidsafe Victoria developed an annual awareness campaign that coincides with the beginning of the daylight saving period, encouraging pool and spa owners to check and maintain their safety barriers for the approaching summer season.
The campaign focuses on a wide range of issues including swimming pool and spa barrier legislation, the importance of supervision of children around water, the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords and the importance of CPR and first aid.
A number of key pool and water safety stakeholders are involved in the campaign including Life Saving Victoria, the Victorian Building Authority, Ambulance Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Department of Justice and Regulation.
Results
In 2014/15 the campaign received significant coverage across television, radio, print and online media (including social media), assisting to raise awareness of the need to regularly check and maintain pool and spa barriers.
Further information on the campaign can be accessed here.