For Immediate Release 13/10/2021
Authorised by Anthony O’Reilly
Make pool safety a priority this summer
As we move into the warmer months, Hilltops Council is urging pool owners to make pool safety a priority.
The National Drowning Report 2021 reported 294 drownings occurred from the 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Twenty Five (25) of these drownings were in the 0-4 year old age group. Thirteen (13) drowned in a bathtub/spa or swimming pool.
Young children are at an especially high risk of drowning, particularly as they become more mobile and curious about their surroundings.
Prolonged periods of stay-at-home directions mean many of us are working and schooling from home. This is challenging for parents and carers, causing an increase of the likelihood of distractions around the home environment which can increase the likelihood of lapses in child supervision.
POOL AND SPA OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY
Under the Swimming Pool Act 1992, owners of any swimming pool or spa capable of holding 30cm or more of water (including those that are portable and inflatable) are legally required to register them on the NSW Swimming Pool Register – this can be done for free at www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.
Pools and spas that hold 2000 litres of water or more may also need development consent from Council.
HOME POOL SAFETY
- Pools must be surrounded with a child-resistant safety barrier that separates the swimming pool(s) from any residential building and any place adjoining the property
- Doors and gates that provide access to the swimming pool MUST be kept closed at all times
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Signage must be displayed near the pool and
- All fences surrounding pools are designed, constructed, installed and maintained to comply with the relevant Australian Standards.
Council are urging pool and spa owners and tenants of properties with a pool or a spa to complete a simple Home Pool Check It Fix It Watch It check list. This check list and others can be found on the swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au, on the Hilltops Council Website or a hard copy can be obtained from Hilltops Council Customer Service Offices.
Whilst the checklist provides a useful tool for pool safety, nothing replaces the need for children to be actively supervised around the water.
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Media Contact
Sarah Karaitiana 0418 755 092