
Sadly wildlife and swimming pools don’t always mix and during extended periods of hot, dry weather WIRES takes many calls about animals found in swimming pools. The bandicoot pictured here was rescued from a backyard pool!
In another incident, an unusual visitor to a public pool prompted swimmers to flee the pool. WIRES was called to remove a snake that had decided to go for a morning swim!
While the pool was cleared, a trained WIRES reptile rescuer rushed to the scene. Pools can be a trap for snakes causing them to swim around to the point of exhaustion before drowning.

WIRES has also rescued many birds, lizards, bandicoots and even gliders that were found exhausted and waterlogged in pools across the state. The animals frequently have to be brought into care and monitored for possible water inhalation and pneumonia.

A length of heavy duty rope or even a bodyboard, secured at one end to something heavy outside the pool, is ideal as it does not absorb water and provides a platform for an exhausted animal to rest on.
Pool steps are also frequently too high to allow animals an easy exit and placing bricks or large stones to the side of each step can make it easier for animals to gain a foothold and climb out.
Always check your pool regularly (twice daily) including in the skimmer box. If you do find any animal trapped in a pool, call WIRES immediately on 1300 094 737 for advice.