Make sure your Swimming Pool is Safe

With the weather warming up, now is a great time to check that your home swimming pool is compliant before the holiday season starts. 

“Many residents across the Shire have swimming pools in their backyards and it is important that pool owners take responsibility to ensure that their families and friends are safe when cooling off,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Residents should know that faulty pool latches and propped open gates are the primary risk factors in serious incidents at home pools.”

According to Royal Life Saving Australia’s National Drowning Report 2020, 50% of drowning deaths in children under 4 years of age were in swimming pools. Always make sure children are within arm’s reach and be ready to enter water if you need to.

“This is a reminder that unfortunately accidents do occur and we all need to play a part in minimising this risk. Let’s be proactive before the summer weather hits and check the compliance of your own backyard swimming pool,” said Cr Doolan. 

By law in Australia, all private swimming pools or spas that can hold a depth of 30 cm or more of water must have safety barriers around them. Barriers are needed for in-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, indoor swimming pools, spas and even portable or inflatable pools.

“Community members can follow a simple check list to ensure the safety of family and friends, so please do the right thing and ensure you check to make sure your swimming pool is safe,” concluded Cr Doolan. 

All pool safety fences must meet Australian Safety Standard 1926. You can check with your pool fence complies at Fair Trading NSW or complete a Self-Assessment Checklist on NSW Swimming Pool Register website.

For more information on swimming pool compliance and for self-assessment checklists, visit www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.

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Last Updated: 10 Sep 2021