Hannah’s Foundation Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Family support  charity announces that Inflatable Rashie is there 2012 Sponsor.

Inflatable Rashie are the creators of “evie” the Australian designed  & patented Sun Smart Rated Inflatable Rashie/Swim Shirt.

“Slip on your evie, put on your sunscreen and wait for an adult to supervise you” are just some of the words in the “evie” jingle written by Yellow Wiggle Greg Page.

Greg Page said “Two of the most important things when it comes to enjoying the water this summer is water safety and to be sun smart.

“Recently I was introduced to a device known as evie the World’s First Rated Sun Smart Inflatable Rashie/Swim Shirt an Australian Invention which takes care of both of these potential dangers.” said Mr Page

“evie was designed for comfort and safety and with Panic being the biggest contributor to deaths by drowning evie will assist the wearer to remain calm and assertive.”

Creator Bill Edgar said “Hannah’s Foundation and the “evie” product just go together hand in hand.  You have Queensland’s leading Water Safety organisation teamed with a Worlds First Product known as “evie”.

Proceeds from sales of “evie” products sold through Hannah’s Foundation will enable Water Safety to be constantly promoted.

“The team at Inflatable Rashie including Greg Page are proud to be supporting Hannah’s Foundation and the message of slip, slop, slap and SUPERVISION was always going to be number one in the two key dangers of the Australian sun and water:  skin cancer and drowning.  “evie” is the double whammy here, you get two safety products in one and it’s very affordable.”

Hannah’s Foundation Founding Director Andrew Plint said “After seeing the designs of the “evie”, the choices that consumers have within the range of “evie” products, there is an “evie” for everyone”

“We like the range of choice because a PFD 1 Life Jacket just doesn’t suit every activity in the water.  We like the choice of a manual inflatable, the dual inflatable and without a doubt the AUTO Inflatable for those around water who don’t intend on getting wet but in case of emergency the “evie” will automatically inflate upon entry.”

Mr Plint said “After meeting with creator Bill Edgar and trialling the Manual inflatable at Wet n Wild with our son Harry, who is currently undertaking swimming survival skills but isn’t confident in the water.”

“Kat, my wife has been very traumatised by Hannah’s drowning and water, the “evie” and Harry together gave her the confidence to venture into the water knowing that Harry could float on his back and that he too was okay and knew how to operate it”

“The Foundation is actively working with “evie” creator Bill Edgar to whom we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to distribute the “evie” products as a form of fundraising and sponsorship to keep on promoting water safety in Australia and around the world”.

“Recently we went to San Diego USA to attend a conference and the programs and messages of Hannah’s Foundation were warmly welcomed and we are working with many other Foundations across the USA to help promote Water Safety and the “evie” proceeds will enable us to continue our great work in Queensland and around the country.”

“The sponsorship with “evie” will enable us to deliver constant messages that wearing a life jacket don’t have to be bulky or a sight for sore eyes and making water activities uncomfortable.  The “evie” for us, gave us freedom, confidence and yet was the back up to ensuring that Harry was on his back when he lost his feet, he laughed the whole time which is what water is all about, having fun.  So many people are losing their lives because they don’t wear a life jacket on the water or when participating in activities such as boating, fishing, snorkelling and rock fishing”

“October 4^th is National Drowning Prevention and Awareness Day and this year “evie” will feature in our ‘Wear your Life Jacket to work day’ which is a concept from the USA and enables people to talk about water safety, encourage others to use them but to also save lives”

Kat Plint, Executor Officer and Co Founder said “We have been promoting Courtney’s Rule in NSW for the past year now ‘Your life jacket is your seatbelt on the water, click it don’t risk it’ is the slogan and we want everyone to chose an “evie” product that’s right for them, the activity they are doing and have peace of mind at the same time. Supervision is always number one in drowning prevention and when in the water you need a barrier back up.  As we know swimmers and even strong swimmers drown so the “evie” is that back up so that you don’t panic, exhaust yourself and stay safer in the water.  It is also a wonderful invention that will no doubt aid many young children with disabilities and sensory issues and won’t wear lots of clothing or safety aids.”

“I’m looking forward to wearing my hot pink “evie” rashie when it arrives, it’s been four years since I’ve been in the pool and had fun.  This for me and many who have been devastated by tragedy like us will no doubt be able to venture back into the waters with their other children and enjoy life.  Before “evie”, I had decided I’d never venture back in the pool and I’ve struggled with the concept of even putting Harry in the water to have lessons.   I’ve done a few times and just ended up a mess every time.”

“Monies raised from “evie” will aid in our production of Radio messages, billboard posters and print media, all of these cost tens of thousands of dollars. We hope to sell enough to make National Day and Wear your Life Jacket to work day a fun day for all Australians but most of all informative to keep Australians safer on the water. “She said.

“evie” will be on our website in the next month with children’s Inflatable rashie shirts from $45 and adults from $70 depending on sizing and style.”  Mrs Plint said.

Hannah’s Foundation lost three sponsors in the Qld Floods and this is the first sponsorship in just on 15 months.  The “evie” sponsorship and distributing activities have come at a crucial time where 22 people have drowned in the past three weeks and many families are requiring assistance, sadly many of the deaths could have been prevented by the wearing of the life jackets”

“The Foundation averages support services to over 532 families, funeral payments and a 24 hour peer support line for families the Foundation requires on average over $300k a year. Still with no full time staff Hannah’s Foundation is run by volunteers and an admin accounts clerk is funded by My Pool Safety Inspections in Cairns.  So If you can help Hannah’s Foundation, want to sponsor water safety messages or become an Ambassador please contact the Foundation for more information.

There is no cure for drowning only prevention and the message needs to be constantly in the community

For more information or media interviews please contact Andrew Plint on 0412 742203

Hannah’s Foundation Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Family support charity begs for a National Water Safety campaign after 13 people drown in four days.   

Andrew Plint, Founding Director and father of a lost child to drowning in a pool said “This Easter has been our worst in four years.   So many families have lost loved this to water tragedies and the toll is rising as conditions on the water increases in intensity and this Easter has seen more boating accidents”

“Easter is a time for families to get together and to celebrate however this year with so many tragedies Hannah’s Foundation’s resources have become extremely stretched.  Right across the country there have been too many lives lost on the water and the Foundation is struggling to cope”

“Yesterday we were contacted by the Royal Children’s Hospital Social Work Department in Brisbane and they requested on behalf of family financial support for the young boy who drowned at Noosa in a holiday unit pool.”  He said.

“The family have been holidaying here with relatives and they now need assistance to fly back to Geelong.  Whilst the family had driven to Qld the return journey by vehicle would place too much stress on an already incredibly distressed family.”   Mr Plint said.

“We are urgently appealing for financial support for airline flights for the family and financial assistance to aid with the repatriation of the young child to Victoria as well as the funeral. These costs are immediate and there are ongoing to costs that the family will need to source.  This is just one family and on average one death costs the foundation around $22k annually in the first year.”   he said.

“Siblings were also struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that unfolded on Friday night”

“The costs of repatriation and funerals is not something any parent plans as part of a family holiday and sadly it is an additional burden that this family must face.”  he said.

“Hannah’s Foundation is the only support for families who lose loved ones to drowning, we know the incredible loss suffered and the journey ahead.  We have been very fortunate to the generosity of the Australian Public to be able to help many families in the past and would again seek the assistance to provide assistance to this family and the many others that need it”

“We are still after four years not government funded, we operate only on donations and corporate support, we don’t have paid full time staff and are indebted to our volunteers who work around the clock 24/7 manning our Peer Support Line so that every donation goes to those family directly.”

Kat Plint, Executive Officer and Founder said “We never want to commence an Easter Appeal for Water Safety as in the past its always been negatively received by the public, now the families who request support we have too and it can’t be ignored because this can happen to anyone.  We, as a charity cannot decline calls for support its what we do as the only support service to drownings.”

She also said that “Water Safety messages don’t’ seem that important at Easter and now when you look at the National Drowning Toll compared to the Road Toll I constantly question WHY?  With the constant messages around Road Safety through this period compared to Water Safety messages it’s a tragic reflection that the drowning toll has outstripped the road toll yet again.”

“It’s certainly frustrating for Hannah’s Foundation because the advertising of messages on radio and print media is expensive and we just can’t afford it, social media is all we have and we try and reach as many as we can through twitter and Facebook but sadly it’s not enough”

“The important messages of Supervision of every swimmer, never swimming alone,  always wearing life jackets on the water and ensuring that children are taught never to venture into water alone are ones that constantly need to be  promoted.”

The Easter 2012 Appeal for Drowning Victims can be donated at
www.givenow.com.au/hannahsfoundation,

www.everydayhero.com.au/hannahsfoundation,

Paypal email:  donations@hannahsfoundation.org.au

donations can be made to:

Qld Police Credit Union BSB 704 052
Account 103 5885 Hannah’s Foundation.
all donations are fully tax deductible

“Our motto is ‘rebuilding lives after water tragedies’ and sadly it’s what we try and achieve with over 500 families since February 2008”   She said.

For more information please contact Andrew Plint on 0412 742203.

Hannahs Foundation, Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Support charity member Kelly Taylor speaks out on the NSW Pool Safety review.

Mrs Taylor lost her son Jaise to drowning in a rental property that she visited whilst on holidays from Qld in 2010.   The NSW Govt Pool review doesn’t go far enough Mrs Taylor says and this is what she says needs to happen.

“When my son died I wanted answers, I have some answers but most of all why are people are allowed to rent or buy homes without a pool safety certificate to say this pool complies the Australian Standards 1926.1”

“Having lived in QLD and watched the Plint family who founded Hannah’s Foundation fight for law changes with support from other families, who too have lost children in
backyard pools it just makes common sense that all states in Australia follow the same laws and principles”

“The NSW Review does NOT cover compulsory certification of pools prior to rental and if it did my son will be here.  I would never have visited a house with a non compliant pool and place my son at risk, not even the tenants were aware of the faults”

“The NSW Review supports ‘self certification’ of pools by landlords and owners, I strongly disagree with this.  Let’s face it who is going to own up to a fault if it means they will need to spend money.  Many don’t support these laws and yet kids are drowning in NSW and this state has the worst statistics. We can’t self certify our cars so why is it that you can self certify a pool?”

“It’s time to get serious with the Pool Review and not just tread softly with it, it needs to be equivalent to the QLD and WA and at most it has to save lives.  With the current review its my opinion it won’t save lives because the low standards of Self Certification by owners/landlords is happening now and we are seeing the devastating results with so many deaths and injuries to children.”

Jaise’s Law:

1.  NSW Pool register with mandatory registrations for every pool
2. Establish ONE law and abolish all previous legislations (Adoption of the Full AS1926.1 and also the QLD MDP3.4)
3. Establish NSW Pool Safety Council similar to that of PSC in QLD
4. Compulsory checks for rentals and purchases BEFORE contracts and leases are signed (Amend the legislation for the Residential
   Tenancy Act)
5. Introduce a state wide register for Pool Safety Inspectors (same as Qld) to lessen the load on Councils.  A Public register for PSI’s with licensing details and qualifications.
6. Compulsory reporting of Every Pool immersion irrespective of outcome (currently only deaths are reported and investigated)
7. Abolish self closing doors on properties leading to pool areas
8. Real Estates to ensure that Workman on pools for rentals are conducted by a licensed and fully qualified builder who is appropriately licensed to carry out maintenance on pools and fencing.
9. Introduce a NSW Pool Safety Campaign that focus’ on supervision and barriers for young children.
10. Severe penalties for owners/landlords who breach the legislation.

Mrs Taylor said “My son Jaise and the other children that I know who died in Rental properties deserve this law because without it more kids will die.  We shouldn’t have to bury our children, life shouldn’t work like this.  Don’t let Jaise’s death be in vain.  If these laws can save one life than this personal and public fight over the past 18 months has been worth it. I wouldn’t wish my daily grief on any parent.”

About Hannah’s Foundation

Hannah’s Foundation currently supports over 514 families who have lost loved ones to drowning or have been injured in water accidents in Australia and over 75 families  internationally. It is the only volunteer organisation in Australia and around the world with a 24 hour Peer support line and has access to over 35 Professional counsellors to refer families across Australia. Hannah’s Foundation also participates and supports families during coronial inquests having provided valuable input onto personal tragedies into 28 deaths over 21 inquests in four years and provides financial support to struggling families. Founders Andrew and Katherine are regularly contacted by State Departments to consult on Water tragedies as advocates and Andrew is currently a sitting member of the QLD Pool Safety Council and both hold qualifications as Pool Safety Inspectors. Andrew’s normal occupation is a Sergeant in the Qld Police Service and has 25 years’ service. Katherine is the Foundations fulltime volunteer Executive
Officer.

The Foundations motto is “rebuilding lives after water tragedies” and “There is no cure for drowning only prevention”

Andrew Plint and Kelly Taylor can be contacted on 07 5465 2000 for any further comment.

Websites:  www.hannahsfoundation.org.au  and  www.hannahsfoundationappeals.org.au

Here we go again.  Pool laws in NSW are on the move finally after nearly five years of advocating changes, listening to the broken hearts of parents and researching the flaws and loopholes and not to mention the number of inquests.  Can we truly breathe a sigh of relief?

The review has been delivered and its weak.  Weaker than any review I’ve seen.  It doesn’t represent the children who have lost their lives.  What is the whole outcome here?  We hope that amendment of the laws and enforcement of current ones would and will save lives.   Obviously the Qld model is working why not follow it?  This review is leaving doubts in my mind.

With NSW leading the shameful statistics on Toddler drownings yet the focus seems to be on School age children who can’t swim and how much of that is a national shame.   Where are the statistics to say and prove that not being able to swim kills people?    What we do have is statistics to prove that toddlers who drown were enrolled in lessons at the time of their deaths.  THIS, for me, is a bloody disgrace and we want to know why?   Don’t even get me started on CPR, we know it fails. It’s not the be all and end all.   It either works or it doesn’t, sadly for me I am one of those parents who obviously failed it albeit the 17 mins that I battled for trying to save my daughter.  CPR is a fight for life and sadly many live with questions as to why?  I don’t wish this on any parent.

The laws under suggestion are self certification.  Now currently this is already in place if we look at the facts.  Many residents look at their pool fence and say “yes” the gate locks, the fence is sound.   Many parents check their fences and I’ve met those that have and still lost their children.

The risks of self assessing is compared to giving yourself a pink slip for your vehicle. I’m not a mechanic and I couldn’t do it yet we are being ask to risk more lives with such conflict of interest and no knowledge to certify pools in NSW ourselves?  Is the insurance on homes with pools going to cover the decision of self certification?  Will Landlords take the extreme risk?  What happens when a death/injury occurs and who will be responsible for it?   Self certification already has loopholes, we need to close them and this review does not.  I hate to think what insurers think of this review and the risks.

Currently self certification exists, it’s not law but it’s happening as we speak.  Recently toddler Darcy died at Morpeth in a pool his parents thought was safe.  It was not.  No fence but lockable doors leading to the backyard and pool.   Three sided fencing laws were applied and it failed.  This legislation should be abolished.  The Office of Fair Trading should look at portable pools and their warnings.  The pool was only erected for two days.  This case and many others were lacking in the warnings.  Sadly the parents are left with the burden and if these laws were changed back in 2010 maybe, Little Darcy would still be alive.

In December 2009, the inquest of nine children faced many self certification issues and this is not a parents fault.  Right now the NSW Government is asking parents to self  certify.  We know parents don’t understand the laws, there are too many, too confusing and its costing lives even though parents do the best they can with the information or little of it that they have. There have been two four more inquests with similar tragedies.  All because the Laws failed and councils lack the capacity to enforce them.

With so many laws and dates to refer to self certification is a dangerous regime that is currently costing lives and will continue to do unless qualified Pool Safety Inspectors (PSI’s) and Councils step up to the plate.

The introduction of PSI’s in QLD has limited the burden solely resting with NSW Shire Councils. Working together on the issue is working in QLD.  The State Government register is free to register your pool.  If you are renting or selling your home a certificate must be issued.  The high risk homes with pools are those in rentals and those being sold.  New environments for children pose a higher risk.  The statistics of deaths and non fatal immersions prove this.  Rentals hold the bigger risk 91.76% of deaths last year occurred in Rentals.

To get to the real truth of every immersion we call upon all hospitals, doctors and the NSW Ambulance service to report every immersion that has required medical attention for
investigation.  Limit the risks and make the changes.  Educate and Prevention is the key.   Why should those parents who suffer the loss of their child be the only ones investigated.  Ensure all parents and their children are treated equally because currently those that near miss it get away without being scrutinised.   How do we know that  others didn’t leave kids unattended for more time?  Not have a fence?  Or own their pool for years and fail to maintain it?   Everyone around Pool Safety is responsible but
it isn’t ONE reason why it fails it’s a list of factors.

So to the NSW Government, the children of NSW and their parents call upon you to make solid, sound and structured changes to ensure the safety of pools meets the Australian Standards at the barest minimum.  Their little friends who died should be the role models in which you surround your legislation not a half arse attempt to reduce the spate of non fatal drownings.  To offer such recognition to those who have lost their lives is of little comfort to parents but these kids need not have died if the laws were enforced. To change the laws to meet the true reasons of these child tragedies is to say they need not have died in vain.

Kat Plint, 18^th January 2012

Executive Officer and Founder

National Family Support Services Coordinator

Coronial Inquest and Research Officer

• Nominee Telstra Business Womens Awards 2011
  Nominee for Australian of the Year 2011
• Nominee Telstra Business Womens Awards 2010
• Recipient City of Ipswich Medallion – Australia Day 2009
• Nominee for Pride of Australia 2008

Families back O’Farrell Government to save lives from backyard death traps

Hannahs Foundation, drowning prevention, awareness and support welcomes changes to enforce pool safety legislation in NSW.

The O’Farrell Government is being backed by parents who have lost children in backyard pools through non compliance of the safety standards.

17months ago, toddler Jaise Taylor was an active, mischievous and well loved little boy, now his body rests in a Cemetery in QLD near his mother’s former home.  A family holiday full of gifts and love ended in heartbreak, sadness and a life full of tears.  Mrs Taylor has recently moved to NSW to advocate for law changes and to start, what only can be a courageous ‘new life’ without her son.

“Since Jaise died we have been told by NSW Police that the pool didn’t meet the safety standards to the rental property and I just don’t know why a house could not be safe when others rent it with kids?  Why can’t anyone be accountable for building a pool with so many flaws?”  Mrs Taylor said.

“I support any of the changes that myself and Hannah’s Foundation are calling for, for Jaise’s Law. My son died because a landlord pool owner had an illegal pool built in his side yard.  The issues with the pool fence killed my son and I want answers and changes.  I don’t want my son’s death to be in vain” she said.

Mrs Taylor also said “My sons inquest was cancelled by the Coroner’s Office and would have dealt with matters relating to rental properties, real estate agents and their  responsibilities and the rights of tenants.  I call upon the O’Farrell Government which has been in contact with myself and Hannahs Foundation to also support the changes and enforce compliance to rental properties.”

Andrew Plint, Founding Director of Hannah’s Foundation says “These changes have been advocated by many parents of similar tragedies for the past four years to no avail.”

“Many of those parents are now out of the media spotlight due to public ridicule, condemnation and their grief.   Many have had their lives torn apart.  These laws are supported by all of our members and the families who have lost their children.  This is about making these young lives that are now lost forever count for something.”

 “Since November my wife and I have been communicating with Minister for Local Government Mr Don Page and recently as December the Minister of Police and Emergency Services The Hon Michael Gallacher MLC with some positive outcomes and invitations being offered to our organisation”  He said.

 “These changes will save lives however we call upon the NSW Government to also get serious with an advertising campaign using real life stories on child deaths around water to really bring the message home”  Mr Plint said.

“Three years on from our involvement and being the ‘faces’ of Backyard pool tragedies, my wife Kat and I have participated in the Qld Government pool safety campaign
in advertisements, cinema ads and radio to tell the real life story of back yard pool drownings”

“These ads along with law changes in Qld have resulted in the saving of many lives, the reduction in child deaths in backyard pools is being achieved and sadly in NSW their statistics are doubling and over the last few weeks we have seen so many near misses and others that did join our exclusive of parents”

“The demographics of drownings tragedies in the western corridor of Sydney and the Coastal region are looking to be the highest rates of incidents and fatalities in Australia.   According to our statistics based on members over 91.76% of drownings in NSW are occurring in Rental Properties.”  he said.

“Bring on the changes to investigate every immersion, put every accident under the spotlight not just ours (those that die) and get to the truth of everyone”  he said.

 He said “the current focus on CPR and swimming lesson wasn’t saving every child and that those children who drowned over the past four year over 80% of them were enrolled in lessons at the time of their deaths.  There are other contributory factors to deaths such as the environment, clothing weight, fear and the temperature of the water as well as breaches to the pool fence safety standards.”

 “There is no cure drowning only prevention and if all levels of Government can enforce the new laws and make every pool meet the Australia standard then that will go a long way to decreasing immersion fatalities and save young lives and acknowledge those who have died, their deaths have not been in vain.”

About
Hannah’s Foundation

Andrew Plint is Founding Director of Hannah’s Foundation and lost his daughter Hannah, on the 4th October 2007. His Wife Katherine, pulled Hannah from the pool and
commenced CPR of over 17 mins before Ambulances worked on her for a further 12 mins and the hospital 8 minutes. Hannah was pronounced dead at 237pm on the 4th
October after being pulled from the cold pool naked at 202pm. Hannah’s Foundation currently supports over 510 families who have lost loved ones to drowning or have been injured in water accidents in Australia and over 75 families internationally. It is the only volunteer organisation in Australia and around the world with a 24 hour Peer support line and has access to over 35 Professional counsellors to refer families across Australia. Hannah’s Foundation also participates and supports families during coronial inquests having provided valuable input onto personal tragedies into 28 deaths over 21 inquests in four years. Both Andrew and Katherine are regularly contacted by State Departments to consult on Water tragedies as advocates and Andrew is currently a sitting member of the QLD Pool Safety Council and both hold qualifications as Pool Safety Inspectors. Andrew’s normal occupation is a Sergeant in the Qld Police Service and has 25 years’ service. Katherine is the Foundations fulltime volunteer Executive Officer.

The Foundations motto is “rebuilding lives after water tragedies” and “There is no cure for drowning only prevention”

With NSW Ambulance Service reporting that 54 near drownings (Non fatal) have occurred in the past ten days Hannah’s Foundation says if parents rely on swimming ability and CPR for their children then people are risking young lives.

The release by NSW Ambulance comes as no surprise to Hannah’s Foundation Founding Director Andrew Plint.

With so much focus given towards swimming and CPR as opposed to Supervision and Barriers it has been like promoting a road safety campaign after the accident has happened.

With so many near tragedies of siblings watching over younger children and rescuing them parents need to be more responsible.

There is no cure for drowning only prevention,  that is why we focus on Supervision and Barriers the statistics of children saving themselves is low and we can see that by the number of rescues over the past 10 days.

How many of these children are enrolled in lessons or have been taught to swim?   If so, why are they drowning?  If these kids have the ability to swim more than 10 metres unaided why aren’t they getting themselves out of backyard pools.  It’s what the swim experts tell parents that kids can do but when they find themselves in trouble they can’t.

Swimming ability and CPR is a last resort, the accidents are only prevented by vigilant supervision and correct barriers (fencing, life jackets in boats, swimming between the flags etc).  The number of public pool drownings are of concern because many parents have the mentality that because their are life savers on duty that they are babysitters.

Of high concern is the lack of preventative campaigns promoting supervision and barriers around the home throughout the year.

Another strong concern is how many of these recent tragedies are in rental properties and if so were the barrier fences compliant?   Our statistics tell us that 91.76% of drownings are happening in rentals with faulty barriers.

In Qld changes to pool safety laws and an increase in awareness campaigns with personal stories such as our daughter Hannah’s death has led to a reduction in drowning  deaths.  the last pool drowning death was in March 2011.

The personal tragedies of many are hard to promote because people don’t want to believe it can happen to them.   There are many stories like our daughter Hannah and it’s hard for other parents to promote their children’s death to aid campaigns for vigilance because of the grief and trauma associated with it and the attraction of public ridicule.  There
are only a few parents who will ever go public with their stories.

The difference between a parent who rescues a surviving child is classed as a hero yet those that are unsuccessful in reviving their child is a pariah.  Yet reality shows that
there are but few seconds between the two.

Ultimately any drowning or immersion that occurs must be investigated by Police to identify the failings that contributed to the incident and appropriate responses made and recommendations given.

About Hannah’s Foundation

Andrew Plint is Founding Director of Hannah’s Foundation and lost his daughter Hannah, on the 4th October 2007. His Wife Katherine, pulled Hannah from the pool and
commenced CPR of over 17 mins before Ambulances worked on her for a further 12 mins and the hospital 8 minutes. Hannah was pronounced dead at 237pm on the 4th
October after being pulled from the cold pool naked at 202pm.

Hannah’s Foundation currently supports over 510 families who have lost loved ones to drowning or have been injured in water accidents in Australia and over 75
families internationally. It is the only volunteer organisation in Australia and around the world with a 24 hour Peer support line and has access to over 35 Professional counsellors to refer families across Australia. Hannah’s Foundation also participates and supports families during coronial inquests having provided valuable input onto personal tragedies into 28 deaths over 21 inquests in four years. Both Andrew and Katherine are regularly contacted by State Departments to consult on Water tragedies as advocates and Andrew is currently a sitting member of the QLD Pool Safety Council and both hold qualifications as Pool Safety Inspectors. Andrew’s normal occupation is a Sergeant in the Qld Police Service and has 25 years’ service. Katherine is the Foundations fulltime volunteer Executive Officer.

The Foundations motto is “rebuilding lives after water tragedies” and “There is no cure for drowning only prevention”

Andrew Plint can be contacted on 07 5465 2000
for any further comment.

Websites:  www.hannahsfoundation.org.au  and www.hannahsfoundationappeals.org.au

Hannah’s Foundation Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Support charity is issuing warnings about water safety after drowning hospitalisations and fatalities and says more parents will be burying a child this Christmas if the warnings aren’t heard.

Another drowning in back yard pool sparks more warnings, the child has been rushed to hospital, the child is currently stable.  A fatal toddler drowning two weeks ago in
Morpeth an unfenced  backyard pool that had been purchased only two days before Little Darcy’s death.  The message is strong,  ALWAYS  SUPERVISE SWIMMERS and CHILDREN around water. Empty the pools but always fence your pool. 

“Today’s latest news of a child drowning highlights the life threatening dangers of leaving portable pools unfenced and unattended”  Katherine Plint said.

“It’s really important that no matter what swimming skills you have, you can drown in an instant and  water is just so unpredictable, toddlers need to be supervised with constant ‘eyes on’ always” she said.

“We urge people that if they do buy portable pools that necessary safety precautions are being taken, always Supervise the child in the water, make sure the pool is emptied and never turn your back on a child in water not even for a second”

“Last year was horrible for drownings and accidents like this are a constant reminder and this is no exception.  This year we are needing the media to help with stepping up the messages so that people listen to them, because drowning does not discriminate”  she said.

“Water safety and drowning prevention messages need to be ‘in your face’ so that people are constantly reminded of the imminent dangers”  she said.

“In the past month Hannah’s Foundation has been able to provide support to seven families and whilst funding is very low we urge people to help support the only charity in Australia supporting families affected by drowning fatalities and injuries because our peak season is now upon us.  This week alone two families need support burying their children.”  she said.

“This week and the weeks ahead are just the warning signs for what is install this summer and people need to be aware of the dangers of portable pools.”

“New pool fencing laws come into effect on December 1^st in Qld yet sadly in NSW and VIC those changes were not as extensive.  More drownings will happen if something isn’t done.”

Kelly Taylor, mother of Jaise who drowned in a rental property last September is calling for Jaise’s Law for NSW.

Kelly Taylor said “This drowning and others like it break my heart.  I can’t sit and do nothing I have to educate people on drownings and that it can take your child’s
life.  Pools are dangerous and they must be fenced to the Australian Standards.”

She said “the pool that Jaise drowned in wasn’t safe, it had multiple breaches and was a rental property I was visiting whilst on holidays.   It all happened in a matter of seconds when Jaise was being pulled from the pool”

“Jaise’s Law is being advocated to include a State Wide pool register, Adoption of the full Australian Standards and the Qld laws that abolished over 11 pieces of legislation rolling Swimming pool laws it into ONE LAW”.   She said.

Mrs Taylor said “I never want another person to suffer the pain my family goes through, our thoughts are with this family today but we need the media to help us get messages constantly out there”

Andrew Plint, Founding Director said “Retailers need to be urged to take a social responsibility and not provide pathetic warnings on boxes of portable pools.  They know that items can’t be sold without a fence, yet they don’t take an active role in educating the consumer.”

“I would be encouraging not to buy blow up pools over Christmas because that $100 pool requires a pool fence, a council application and certification.  All portable pools especially those with filtration systems, over 30cm deep and hold over 2000 litres of water must be fenced, have a council building permit and Certification by council.”  He said.

“That $100 gift may cost a child their young life”   Mr Plint said

“Perhaps the Federal Government should adopt similar warnings to cigarettes packets and start putting photos of those who have died or suffered an injury in an unfenced pool on these death traps”

To donate:

www.givenow.com.au/hannahsfoundation
 or www.hannasfoundation.org.au

Electronic
Funds Transfers

BSB  704 052  Account 1035885   Hannah’s
Foundation  REF;  Support  Qld Police Credit Union Brisbane,
Townsville and Oxley Branches

Issued by Andrew Plint CEO Hannah’s Foundation 0412 742 203.   Kelly Taylor, Kat (0423 869 063) and Andrew Plint are available for media interviews.

 Tragedy will strike Family twice

Hannah’s Foundation, Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Support says the little boy who drowned in floodwaters is only the first tragedy the family will face in the coming weeks.

“Sadly after speaking to the father last night the family is currently trying to keep the mother, who is currently pregnant with twins and is also battling major pregnancy complications calm and unstressed.  It’s a very difficult situation for all.”  Founding Director Mr Plint said.

“Without disclosing the personal details, the death of their son yesterday will sadly be the first tragedy and heartbreak for the family over the next few weeks.  With flood waters isolating them the stress on the family is without a doubt enormous.  Our task is to try and minimise that stress with telephone support and constant contact”  he said.

“The events of yesterday for the family of seven children were that they were playing outside in the rain, something of normality they did.  Puddles and rain are fun but sadly today this family has seen the other side of that fun and its ended with tragedy” Mr Plint said.

“The little boy aged three,  who the family do not wish to name publicly have stated that the boy’s body was found by a neighbour a short while after he was swept from his feet.”

“The Family had only recently purchased their house after moving from Dungong which always flooded the father told me.  I’ve been informed the kids were playing one minute and then the next the child was knocked was off his feet and swept down a drain”  Mr Plint said.

Mr Plint said “Currently we have seen some comments online laying blame to the parents and the assumption of facts is distressing to the family.  Sadly people like to point the finger and its cruel and unjust.   The family are going through enough without  ‘do gooders’ laying blame. Flood waters are unpredictable and no one could have predicted this. ”

“This tragedy just highlights the importance of supervision flow of water when it floods where you live.   Sadly the family had never seen such flash flooding and they just were not aware of it.”   He said.

“Hannah’s Foundation is providing constant telephone contact to all family members and once flood waters subside and access can be gained other family members will be able to travel including Peer Support officers from the Foundation”  Mr Plint.

“We saw so many tragedies with children and adults in the floods here in Qld this year, the roads are not safe either with many being rescued over night from taking stupid risks, they not only put their lives at risk but those that try to rescue them.  Nothing is ever too important that you need to cross a flooded road”  he said.

“If anything today people really need to understand the power of water and it will Kill”  he said.

“Other families within Hannah’s Foundation who have been through the floods of 2008 and 2011 and lost loved ones are sending their thoughts and prayers to the family.  They too are reliving this horrid nightmare.   All the family want is privacy and peace to grieve and comprehend the tragic loss of their 2^nd  youngest child and to also get through what
an enormous and emotional time the next two months will bring them.”   He said

“No further comments will be made by the family, nor will photos will be released to the media, the family have stressed their need for privacy and any further comments can be directed to myself at the Foundation on 0412 742 203”   Mr Plint said.

About Hannah’s Foundation

Hannah’s Foundation is the only dedicated drowning support charity supporting all families touched by tragedies in water in Australia.

Among its many aims are:

• educating children about personal water safety;
• provide support to the areas affected by Flood waters and including services to those areas;
• designing and implementing a National Rural Swimming Program;
• providing financial assistance to parents who have lost children to drowning or suffer injuries;
• providing counselling to family members who have lost loved ones to drowning;
• provide assistance to those who are injured in Water Activities and live with disabilities;
• lobbying to legislate financial penalties for those who sell non-compliant pools, including real estate agents;
• raising awareness of drownings and near-drownings in Australia in the media; and
  National Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Memorial Day October every year

For donations to Hannah’s Foundation

Hannah’s Foundation will accept donations to help the Bingara Family with funeral costs, counselling services
and travel arrangements for immediate family.  To donate please use the REF: BINGARA

BSB    704 052   Account
1035885   Hannah’s Foundation

For credit card donations:  Please donate to
www.givenow.com.au/hannahsfoundation

Inquest – Loopholes in legislation calls for Lauren’s Law

Hannah’s Foundation, Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Support has this week attended the inquest of Lauren Harris in Victoria and is disappointed that ‘loopholes’ exist in legislation for the tragedy to have occurred.

Katherine Plint, Executive Officer and a veteran advocate in 21 inquests to date involving over 28 deaths of children, teenagers and adults said “It’s pretty clear from the evidence heard that there were no safety certifications applied in having the house inspected prior to tenancy or the sale of the house”

“Currently in WA and QLD you cannot sell, buy or rent a house with a pool unless it meets the current Australian Standards”

“This process would have addressed the issues before the Inquest and if had of been legislative then Lauren Harris would not have drowned” she said.

“This case has no doubt highlighted the importance of pool safety, sadly for Lauren, aged 3, this house was a new environment for her and she was a very inquisitive child. A child growing up in the house with a constant routine of rules is vastly different in knowledge of the dangers of pools. For Lauren her new environment was a danger and her parents did everything they could to protect her.”

“Drownings occur when supervision breaks down and non compliant barriers are in place. The area of the pool was not always utilised by the Harris’ because it was colder weather. Lauren was not familiar with the outside area.”

“In fairness to all parties the trust of works, naivety of that trust, the lack of follow up from those responsible for the construction, the certification knowledge has all been a failure, it’s just appalling that so many had responsibility and its all failed.’ she said.

“The Inquest is raising awareness to pool safety and the dangers and the function of inquest is to seek out and record as many of the facts concerning the death as a matter of public interest. It is in the best interest of children that the inquest defines the breakdown in the procedures of legislation so they can be amended.”

“The Harris family have been working with Hannah’s Foundation to promote and advocate for legislation changes. Lauren’s Law need to be changed now by the Victoria State Government, we just can’t wait for the end of the inquest which looks like going over into next year and is set down for March 2012”.

“Waiting on changes that are so distinctly evident is currently jeopardising young lives, especially in rental properties and houses being sold” Mrs Plint said.

“Currently from our Research nationally in toddler drownings in rental properties the statistics are very alarming they are currently 91.76% and most of those are in NSW and VIC. The highest risk of drowning is within the first six months of residing in a house with a pool” she said.

The changes being advocated are:

1. Mandatory Inspections’ of Spas/Pools in Victoria every two years
2. Introduction of a State wide pool/spa register
3. Compulsory Safety Certificates issues upon every tenancy and upon the sale of a home
4. Changes to the contractual information between Real Estate Agents/Landlords/Tenants to include details on the pool, the safety certificate number and date of issuance
5. Education for Real Estates on Pool/Spa Safety
6. The REIV amend their paperwork to include Pools and fences and to also include on Quarterly inspections a checklist around the home/pool to ensure those checks are done
7. Introduction and Adoption of the Australian Standards 1926.1 and the inclusion for the exclusion of all previous Australian Standards 1926.1 pre dated 2010.
8. The implementation of abolishing all previous legislations relating to the pools/spas so that there is ONE SIMPLIFIED law that is easy to understand and interpret
9. Compulsory Education programs for the Public similar to the Road Safety and Drink driving messages
10. Education programs in schools about Water safety
11. Establishment of a Pool Safety Inspectors Course and Qualifications
12. That Building Certifiers are not able to certify the works of their employer all certificates of compliance must be independent and unbiased
13. That all immersions of water injuries to children be investigated and those immersions must be mandatorily reported by Hospitals, Ambulance and Doctors
14. Introduction of Pool Safety Council
15. Introduction of a clause in the Building Act to include a Public Interest declaration in the construction of Pools/Spas/Fencing etc (ie, not a conflict of interest, this will avoid “mates” building constructions for mates and provide the contract with details of every contractor, sub contractor etc)

“It is just tragic that this event occurred and there is no doubt that both the Harris’ and the owners of the home have massive voids in their hearts and the continual heartache over the death of Lauren.” She said.

“In relation to the Section 57 the application is fully supported by us and in all the inquests I have attended and participated I have never seen one denied to such a crucial witness. It is in the best interest of the public safety that we support the application.”

“We (Hannah’s Foundation) will continue to advocate and support those affected by such tragedies and just hope that something positive can be an outcome for this inquest and that can only be Lauren’s Law” Mrs Plint said.

ISSUED at 17th November 2011 by Founding Director Andrew Plint
For comment please phone (07) 5465 2000 or 0423 869 063

Hannah’sFoundation – Australia’s only Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Support charity says many families are now joining their media campaign to help stop drownings and raise awareness.   Kelly Taylor continues to fight for changes in NSW for Jaise’s Law.

changes for Jaise’s law are basic Amendments changes to Legislation, they are:

Residential Tenancies Act 2010

1    That the NSW Parliament introduce a legislative change to  Division 5, Section 62 to include Swimming Pools/Spas as an urgent and immediate emergency repair. (Comment: In the circumstance that Landlords/Agents do not fix the pool and council has ordered a non compliance certificate on the property that this action will also give the tenant sufficient grounds under the Act to terminate their lease and without financial penalty.)

2.        That the Act be change to include a Swimming Pool Safety Compliance Certificate as a requirement prior to lease to tenant.

3.        That the Act include that any exemptions for the Swimming Pool/Spa of the Rental Property be removed for new tenants.

4.        That all rental properties have FOUR SIDED FENCING and that all pools/spas be compliant to Australian Standards 1926.1.

5.        Specific penalties for non compliance on behalf of agents/landlords.

Swimming Pools Act 1992

1. The removal of self closing doors to form part of barrier,

1. the adoption of the Australian Standards 1926.1,  IN FULL
2. the adoption of legislation mirroring Qld Development Code, Mandatory Provisions 3.4 (comment:  In many cases QDC MP3.4 has expanded to provide greater protection than that listed in Australian Standards, example; non  climbable zones in the upper 900mm quadrant with provisions that a child cannot gain access.  The use of canals/rivers/lakes/streams can form part of barrier)
3. that all pools have FOUR SIDED fencing,
4. Development of a State wide Pool Register
5. Development of a Swimming Pool Safety Inspector training course
6. The introduction of a Mandatory inspection regime triggered by sale/lease of properties in the first instance for shared/non shared pools
7. Shared pools (accommodation complex, motels, hotels) every 12 months
8. Non shared pools, stand alone residential if not sold/lease every two years, Resort pools (swimming pool, management plans) every 12 months.
9. Mandatory reporting of immersion events of children

If you support Jaise’s Law in NSW please download a copy of our letter to all Members of Parliament and sign the supporting document and lodge it with your Local NSW State Member of Parliament.  The more support we can have for simple changes to legislation the sooner Drowning statistics in NSW will decrease.   Rental Properties equate for over 91% of drowning in Rental properties.

Letter to Parliament

My Support Letter

Please support Jaise’s Law.

“If these changes  were made, we believe, along with Mrs Taylor and all the other parents who have  had children drown or suffer immersions in Rental properties that lives could  be saved.  These little lives lost are people not numbers and something should  be done and now.”  Katherine Plint, Executive Officer said.

About  Hannah’s Foundation

Hannah’s Foundation is the only dedicated  drowning support charity supporting all families touched by tragedies in water  in Australia.

Among its many aims  are:

• educating  children about personal water safety;
• designing  and implementing a National Rural Swimming Program;
• providing  financial assistance to parents who have lost children to drowning or suffer
  injuries;
• providing  counselling to family members who have lost loved ones to drowning;
• provide  assistance to those who are injured in Water Activities and live with
  disabilities;
• lobbying  to legislate financial penalties for those who sell non-compliant pools,
  including real estate agents;
• raising  awareness of drownings and near-drownings in Australia in the media; and
• National  Drowning Prevention, Awareness and Memorial Day October every year

For  donations to Hannah’s Foundation

BSB
Number – 704 052 Account Number – 1035885 or online at www.givenow.com.au/hannahsfoundation

ISSUED  at 7^th November 2011 by Founding Director Andrew Plint

For  comment please phone (07) 5465 2000