An 18-month-old boy drowned in his family's above-ground swimming pool on Tuesday afternoon.

Sergeant Peter Freeman, of Hamilton police, said investigations were continuing. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Warrnambool City Council yesterday urged residents to take care over summer.

The council's building inspector Adam McCosh said pools posed a serious risk to children.

"If a child climbs in and drowns, not only is it a tragic loss of life, but the property owner is also liable because of their negligence," he said.

"The public need to be aware that any structure that holds 30 centimetres of water must have correct fencing in accordance with the Australian standard."

The Royal Life Saving Society wants home pools put through a "massive safety check".