A pool can be a great addition to any Australian backyard, providing a fun and refreshing way to beat the summer heat. However, it’s important to remember that a pool also comes with certain risks, especially when it comes to water safety. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under the age of five in Australia, so it’s important for pool owners to take steps to keep their loved ones safe. One way to do this is by displaying a pool resuscitation (CPR) chart around your pool.
A pool resuscitation chart is a visual guide that provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform CPR in the event of a drowning or near-drowning incident. The chart includes diagrams and instructions for performing chest compressions, rescue breaths, and other life-saving techniques. It also includes information on how to call emergency services and what to do while waiting for help to arrive.
Displaying a pool resuscitation chart around your pool is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a clear and easy-to-follow guide for performing CPR in an emergency situation. This can be especially important if the person performing CPR is not familiar with the technique or is feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
A pool resuscitation chart can help to save valuable time in an emergency. When someone has stopped breathing, every second counts, and having a visual guide on hand can help to ensure that CPR is administered quickly and effectively.
Displaying a pool resuscitation chart around your pool can also help to raise awareness about water safety and the importance of CPR. It serves as a reminder that drowning is a real and serious risk, and that everyone should be prepared to respond in case of an emergency.
In Australia, pool owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their pool is safe and compliant with relevant safety standards. Displaying a pool resuscitation chart around your pool is just one way to meet this obligation and help to keep your loved ones safe.
To be compliant with Australian state and territory regulations, follow the below advice when choosing and installing a CPR chart for your pool.
You must display a CPR sign that:
- shows how to perform CPR
- is attached to the pool safety fence, or displayed near the pool
- is easily legible from at least 3m away
- is at least 300mm by 300mm
- is made of durable and weatherproof material and is in good condition
- includes a prominent statement explaining how to act in an emergency (e.g. call 000, stay with the injured person, provide first aid)
- complies with the Australian Resuscitation Council’s resuscitation guidelines
For further information, refer to your state or territory regulation for pool safety compliance.
Below: An example of a compliant Pool CPR sign
