Swimming Pool Safety

With the holiday season and the hot weather approaching, now is a great time to check that your barrier fencing for your swimming pool is compliant. 

“There are many residents across the Shire with swimming pools and it is important that pool owners take responsibility to ensure that their families and friends are safe,” 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 home pool drowning deaths.”

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.

“Over the holiday period with warmer weather, we all enjoy cooling off. This is a reminder that unfortunately accidents and tragedies do occur and we all need to play a part in minimising this risk,” 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, portable or inflatable pools and spas.

“I would like all of our community members to stay safe, 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.

Click here to download media release 

Last Updated: 17 Dec 2020