17/02/2011 02:57 PM
Consistent security fencing laws for garden pools will save many young lives in Australia, the country's Royal Life Saving Society has said.
The government last week agreed to rollout pool safety legislation that is the same regardless of region.
Rob Bradley, the society's chief executive, said inconsistent laws had contributed to the deaths of hundreds of youngsters over the last decade – with half of the 150 children aged under four drowning in garden pools in the last five years alone.
"There is massive confusion amongst pool owners, local councils, real estate agents, manufacturers and equipment suppliers and installers about which parts of current legislation apply to their local area," Mr Bradley was quoted by the news provider as saying.
It is thought that around 85 per cent of pools in back gardens have either no security fencing whatsoever or do not properly comply with safety laws.
But it is hoped that a single national law will greatly drive down the number of fatal incidents.
"This is an excellent result and will help save many young lives in the future," Mr Bradley was quoted as saying.
Between July 2009 and July last year, 314 people drowned in Australian waterways.
The government last week agreed to rollout pool safety legislation that is the same regardless of region.
Rob Bradley, the society's chief executive, said inconsistent laws had contributed to the deaths of hundreds of youngsters over the last decade – with half of the 150 children aged under four drowning in garden pools in the last five years alone.
"There is massive confusion amongst pool owners, local councils, real estate agents, manufacturers and equipment suppliers and installers about which parts of current legislation apply to their local area," Mr Bradley was quoted by the news provider as saying.
It is thought that around 85 per cent of pools in back gardens have either no security fencing whatsoever or do not properly comply with safety laws.
But it is hoped that a single national law will greatly drive down the number of fatal incidents.
"This is an excellent result and will help save many young lives in the future," Mr Bradley was quoted as saying.
Between July 2009 and July last year, 314 people drowned in Australian waterways.
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