Horsley two-year-old Tynnan Fuga Paglialunga is one of the many Illawarra children who will enjoy splashing in his paddle pool after Christmas this year.
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But, while blow-up pools can be an inexpensive way for kids to have fun and keep cool in summer, NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner has warned parents of some of the risks they can pose.
Launching the Kids Can Drown Without A Sound campaign, Mrs Skinner said children under five were over-represented in statistics for drowning deaths and near-drowning incidents in swimming pools.
"In 2010-2011, six children under the age of five drowned in NSW swimming pools and there were 30 near-drowning incidents," she said.
"Inflatable swimming pools are increasing in popularity due to their easy set-up and affordability but they present the same drowning hazards as large pools."
By law, inflatable or portable swimming pools capable of being filled to a depth greater than 30 centimetres of water require a four-sided fence.
"Even in small or large pools, kids can drown in seconds and without a sound," Mrs Skinner said.
The campaign will remind parents that small portable pools should be emptied and stored after use and children under five should be supervised at all times.