Make your Pool a Safe Pool ahead of Summer
Published on 05 October 2021
Shoalhaven City Council is reminding the community to make sure their backyard pool or spa is safe ahead of Summer.
This month Council has launched a public awareness campaign to promote the many ways the community can make their pool or spa safe, including meeting mandatory compliance requirements.
A child can drown in seconds. Drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under 5 years of age. Many of these occur in swimming pools, due to faulty or non-compliant swimming pool barriers.
Any pool capable of being filled with water greater than 300mm in depth must have permanent child-resistant fencing. However, children should still be actively supervised during use of the swimming pool it should be emptied immediately after use.
NSW Law requires that child-resistant barriers are required for permanent pools (including swim spas) and portable pools. Spas pools are required to be secured with a lockable lid or alternatively a compliant swimming pool barrier.
Things you can do to make your pool a safe pool:
- Gain a safety compliance certificate
- Teach your children to swim
- Watch children in the pool & remain an arm’s reach
- Always watch your child when using flotation devices
- Ensure child-resistant barriers are installed correctly
- Maintain, repair or replace a faulty safety latch
- Remove climbable objects from around the fence
- Never prop open the pool gate
- Stay up to date with first aid skills
- Display a resuscitation CPR chart on your pool fence.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said that Council’s compliance officers are on hand to offer assistance to the community.
“Our compliance officers are available to answer any questions you have and as required can inspect your pool or spa to ensure it meets compliance standards”, Clr Findley said.
“Taking a few minutes out of your day to make sure your pool or spa is compliant could save a life”, Clr Findley said.
COVID safe measures are taken by Council staff when visiting residential properties.
There are possible insurance and legal implications for property owners of residential and holiday lettings if their pool is non-compliant.
For more information on Council's website on Swimming Pools & Spas or call Council on 1300 293 111.
Image: Council staff member with a community member standing next to an enclosed swimming pool