THE Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is urging Ipswich residents to take extra care in and around pools over the Christmas and summer holiday period.

QAS south-eastern region assistant commissioner Jayne Barnes said the warmer weather meant many families were making use of pools and should be aware of some simple safety measures to avoid injuries or drowning.

"Almost all Queenslanders enjoy a dip in the pool around this time of year and swimming can be great fun, however, as with most water activities there are risks," Ms Barnes said.

"Drowning is a significant risk, especially for small children. That is why it's so important to ensure all children are constantly supervised in the water.

"Many families might think they would hear their child come into trouble in the backyard pool, however small children often make no sound at all when drowning - it is a silent killer and can happen in seconds. It's a heartbreaking experience for families."

Ms Barnes also stressed the importance of removing objects from around the pool fence to reduce the risk of children climbing on them to access the pool gate.

"Children can easily enter a fenced-off pool if they see a way to climb in or get through a gate that's propped open, so it's vital parents move all climbable objects away from the pool fence."