POOL SAFETY CRACKDOWN ON RESORTS: Fraser

DECEMBER 14 2006

POOL SAFETY CRACKDOWN ON RESORTS: Fraser

Queensland’s leading resorts have been put on notice this summer as part of the Beattie Government’s commitment to help prevent toddlers drowning in pools.

Sports Minister Andrew Fraser announced today that 19 resorts would be investigated.

In 1984, these resorts were granted exemptions from fencing their pool areas after the Local Government Act 1936 was amended.

The Hyatt Regency at Coolum, one of the 19 resorts, has already agreed to fence its pool area.

Mr Fraser praised the Hyatt Regency for its prompt action and said he hoped this would set a precedent for other resorts.

The safety audit coincides with the appointment of Olympic medallist Sam Riley as Queensland’s pool safety ambassador.

“I am delighted to have Sam on board. Sam has spent her whole life in and out of the pool and with two young children, knows how important it is to keep them safe,’’ Mr Fraser said.

“The children most at risk from drowning are toddlers and fencing is one key focus area of the safety audit.

“Pool fencing laws have been working well since their introduction but the best way to ensure pools are safe is to check them.

“Queenslanders love water, it’s an integral part of our lifestyle but unfortunately drowning is still the most common cause of accidental death in children under the age of four in Queensland.’’

Last year eight toddlers died in Queensland pools.

The Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit has reported that for every toddler drowning fatality, there are 10 near drownings and 61 per cent of these happen in pools.

“Of course most toddler drownings can be avoided and public awareness can play a big role in that.”

A list of the resorts is attached.

Media Contact: Selina Steele 3224 6509 or 0417 752 833

1 KingfisherBay Resort and Village.
2 GreatKeppelIsland Resort.
3 HaymanIsland Resort
4 Capricorn International Resort
5 DunkIsland Resort.
6 BedarraBay Resort
7 Dolphin Heads Resort
8 Hinchinbrook Island Resort
9 DaydreamIsland Travelodge Resort.
10 Club Crocodile Long Island.
11 Long IslandPalm Bay Hideaway
12 ClubCrocodileResortAirlieBeach
13 South Molle Island Resort
14 HamiltonIslandHolidayInnCrownePlaza Resort.
15 Club Med LindemanIsland
16 Green Island Resort
17 Hyatt Regency, Coolum.
18 ThalaBeach Lodge Resort
19 Silky Oaks Lodge.