Let’s start by answering this simple question;
What is a CPR sign?
If you own a pool or spa in Australia you must display an up-to-date CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) sign visible from anywhere within the pool area.
This CPR sign shows the following information, which complies with the Australian Resuscitation Council’s resuscitation guidelines:
The requirements for the following states - VIC / SA / QLD / NT / ACT
- How to perform CPR.
- The CPR sign must indicate two breaths / 30 compressions
- A prominent statement explaining how to act in an emergency (e.g. call 000, stay with the injured person, provide first aid)
- Be attached to the pool safety fence or boundary fence within the pool area.
- Be easily visible to a person from any position within the pool area
- Be at least 300mm by 300mm
- Be made of durable and weatherproof material
The requirements for the following states - NSW
- How to perform CPR.
- The CPR sign must indicate two breaths / 30 compressions
- A prominent statement explaining how to act in an emergency (e.g. call 000, stay with the injured person, provide first aid)
- Be attached to the pool safety fence or boundary fence within the pool area.
- Be easily visible to a person from any position within the pool area
- Be at least 420mm by 600mm
- Be made of durable and weatherproof material
To prepare you for an emergency, we suggest the following:
- First, install an approved and updated CPR sign
- Identify where the CPR sign is visible anywhere within the pool area. A visible CPR sign could save a life. It might be yours!
- Don’t place the CPR sign overlooking rocky garden where you would not lay a person to perform CPR
- Check that you can read the CPR instructions from any position within the pool area
- Maintain the condition of your CPR sign – dirt, cracks or sun damage could cause the instructions to be illegible
- Avoid moving furniture or plants in front of the CPR sign
- Attach the CPR sign to the fence’s upper portion so the sign doesn’t become a foothold
- Lastly, sign up for a local CPR class
Active supervision is your first line of defence
No safety measure around the pool beats active supervision. It is a good measure to keep your pool safely certification up to date with your local certifier.
This lets you know that your pool fence and gate are safe and will keep mobile toddlers out of the pool area.