As the warmer months arrive, many Tasmanian families turn to backyard, portable and inflatable pools as a way to cool off and enjoy time together. While these pools can be fun and affordable, they also carry serious risks — particularly for young children. 

That’s why Royal Life Saving Tasmania has launched its Be Pool Safe campaign, a statewide initiative designed to remind all Tasmanians that drowning is quick, silent and preventable — and that simple actions at home can save lives. 

Why This Campaign Matters in Tasmania 

Recent tragic incidents, along with findings from a Tasmanian Coronial inquest, have highlighted the heightened drowning risk associated with portable and inflatable pools, especially for children aged 0–5 years. 

These pools are often purchased without families fully understanding the risks or legal requirements — yet the danger is just as real as with permanent backyard pools. Even small amounts of water, a brief lapse in supervision, or a pool left accessible can have devastating consequences. 

As Craig Roberts, General Manager – Drowning Prevention at Royal Life Saving Tasmania, explains: 

“Even small amounts of water, a momentary lapse in supervision, or a pool left accessible to a child can have devastating consequences. Our message is clear — if you’re going to use these pools, you must supervise constantly, empty them straight after use, and make sure children can’t access them when adults aren’t present.” 

One Campaign. Six Clear Safety Messages. 

The Be Pool Safe campaign delivers six simple, consistent safety messages that will be shared across communities throughout Tasmania via social media, email signatures, digital TV screens, and practical home pool safety checklists. 

These messages focus on the actions that matter most: 

1. Actively Supervise — Every Second Counts 

Children can get into trouble in seconds. Active supervision means eyes on, hands on, with no distractions whenever water is accessible — whether it’s a pool, bath or splash play. 

2. Empty Pools Immediately After Use 

Portable and inflatable pools should be emptied straight after use, including small paddling pools. An empty pool removes the risk altogether. 

3. Check Pool Fencing and Safety Barriers 

In Tasmania, any pool capable of holding 300 mm of water requires a compliant safety barrier, including temporary and inflatable pools. Knowing the rules helps prevent tragedy. 

4. Remove Hazards and Temptations 

Pool toys, furniture, plants and climbable objects can act as stepping stones. Clearing the pool area and packing toys away after swimming helps prevent unsupervised access. 

5. Be Prepared — CPR Saves Lives 

While prevention is critical, being prepared can make the difference between life and death. Learning CPR and emergency response skills gives families the confidence to act if the unthinkable happens. 

6. Understand the Risk 

Drowning doesn’t always end in death — but it can change a life forever. For children aged 0–4, there are multiple hospitalisations for every drowning death, with most incidents occurring in private pools. 

A Community-Wide Call to Action 

The Be Pool Safe campaign is designed for everyone — parents, carers, grandparents, retailers, councils and early childhood services — because preventing drowning takes a whole-community approach. 

This summer, Royal Life Saving Tasmania is encouraging all Tasmanians to pause, check their pool setup, refresh their supervision habits, and talk with friends and family about pool safety. 

Because when it comes to drowning, prevention starts at home — and it starts with you. 

Learn More and Get Resources 

Free Be Pool Safe resources, including home pool safety checklists and campaign materials, are available at: 👉 www.drowningprevention.org.au/bepoolsafe 

Together, with simple actions and consistent messages, we can make this summer safer for every Tasmanian child.