The number of pools in Queensland has more than doubled since 1991. The pool fencing legislation has prevented the number of toddler drownings from also increasing. The Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit estimates that the pool fencing legislation has prevented at least 70 toddler drownings. However, a significant number of children are still drowning in swimming pools.

Did you know?

• Child drownings in Queensland swimming pools accounts for one quarter of all paediatric injury deaths and is the most common cause of traumatic death for children aged one to four years.
• Approximately half of all drownings involving children under five years occurred in residential swimming pools.
• For every child drowning, up to 14 children are taken to hospital emergency departments, and four are admitted to hospital.
• Approximately six to seven per cent of children will develop neurological deficits and will be permanently disabled or die as a consequence of nearly drowning.
• It is estimated that for every child taken to hospital emergency departments, there are 10 near misses - that is, children suffering immersion who are quickly rescued.
• For the children admitted to hospital following an immersion incident, there is up to a 20 per cent chance of brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
• In the period from 1983 to 1991, 107 children drowned in swimming pools associated with residential buildings, resulting in an approximate average number of 12 child drownings per year in Queensland.
• In the period from 1992 to 2001, following the introduction of new legislation, 56 children aged under five years drowned in residential in-ground swimming pools and spas in Queensland, resulting in approximately eight children drowning each year in residential swimming pools.