As the weather heats up it's time to refresh your family's water safety practices to make sure you and your loved ones are well-prepared for summer.
No matter if you're gathered around a pool, a creek or at the beach it's essential to practice water safety.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said parents and caregivers had a serious role to play when taking kids in and around water.
"It only takes a split second for things to go wrong around water, which is why adults need to keep a close eye on children if they're near a pool, creek, or at the beach," Cr Soars said.
"If you have a pool at home it needs to be fenced correctly. Portable pools and spas need to be fenced if they're deeper than 30cm, and the same rules apply for fences around inflatable pools, in-ground pools and above-ground pools. They must be compliant with the Queensland Development Code, as this is the standard that Townsville City Council's compliance officers adhere to.
"Everyone wants to protect their family, and by using a combination of pool fencing and supervision you can help keep your kids safe this summer.
"Supervision is also essential if you're near ponds, lakes, rivers or the ocean, so please keep an eye on your children to ensure they're as safe as possible while cooling down in the summer months."
To see the full pool compliance checklist, head to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission's website.
To learn more about pool fencing requirements in Townsville, visit our Swimming Pools and Spas page.
