The State Government has launched a free online training course which will improve safety at family day care services operating with swimming pools, spas or water features.
The McGowan Government committed to a number of reforms for family day care following recommendations handed down at the completion of the 2018 coronial inquest into the tragic death of two-year-old Lachlan Mitchell, who drowned at a family day care service in 2015.
A transition period was introduced in 2020 to ensure family day care providers and educators had appropriate time to prepare for increased regulatory safety requirements.
Under the updated regulations, which will come into effect later this year, approved providers will be required to undertake monthly inspections of family day care educators operating at residences with swimming pools, spas or water features as part of the improved safety outcomes. Inspections previously occurred on an annual basis.
To support this process, Royal Life Saving WA was commissioned to develop an online training program that offers clear and practical guidance for approved providers to carry out inspections of pools, spas and the outdoor environment.
Further information about the online training course can be found via the Department of Communities website.
As stated by Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:
"In 2015, Lachlan Mitchell drowned at a family day care service in suburban Perth just days before his third birthday. The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring safety reform at family day care services, so a tragedy like this never occurs again.
"The online training program has been specifically designed to assist family day care providers to understand their role and requirements when new regulations come into effect.
"I would like to acknowledge Lachlan's mother, Melanie, for her continued advocacy and work in securing these safety outcomes.
"Royal Life Saving Society of WA has been at the forefront of water safety for decades, which is why they were commissioned to develop this training program on our behalf as a trusted partner."
