Blow-up pools are just as dangerous for children as surf beaches, experts warn after 20 children drown in shallow water
- Experts are warning of the dangers of backyard blow-up pools for children
- They are advising parents to remain vigilant when their kids are playing in them
- A two-year-old boy was left fighting for his life in Sydney's west on Tuesday
Blow-up pools are just as dangerous for children as surf beaches, according to experts.
Parents are being warned that children can drown in backyard blow-up pools despite the shallow water.
Children can drown in as little as 200mm of water, according to Nathan Fife from Surf Life Saving Gold Coast.
Blow-up pools are just as dangerous for children as surf beaches, according to experts (stock)
Parents are being warned that children can drown in backyard blow-up pools despite the shallow water
He told told Yahoo 7 the inflatable pools can be just as dangerous for children as surf beaches or rivers.
Research is being carried out by the Griffith's Menzies Health Institute to make parents more aware of the dangers.
'We are certainly getting an idea people have a lack of awareness when it comes to portable pools,' Professor Kyra Hamilton said.
She also pointed out that pool that is greater than 30 centimetres legally requires fencing around it.
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According to Professor Hamilton, many parents find fencing too expensive. She also said accidents can happen while parents are distracted.
As a preventative measure, parents are encouraged to remain an arm's distance away while their children are making use of the pool, and they should be emptied of water after every use.
A two-year-old boy was left fighting for his life after being found face down and unconscious in an inflatable pool at a home in Sydney's west on Tuesday evening.
Earlier this month a toddler died after being pulled from a backyard swimming pool in Werrington Downs.
As a preventative measure, parents are encouraged to remain an arm's distance away while their children are making use of the pool, and they should be emptied of water after every use
