Shoalhaven Council flags pool compliance requirements

Shoalhaven Council has flagged the compliance requirements for NSW commercial and residential pool owners.

Swimming pool owners across the city are being encouraged to ensure they have a compliant, child-resistant barrier installed around their pool ahead of Summer.

Commercial and residential pool owners are legally required to register their pool on the NSW Swimming Pool register, and ensure it adheres to a range of safety standards to mitigate the drowning deaths of young people.

Mayor Patricia White advised “now the weather is starting to heat up it’s a great time to check your pool has the appropriate barriers and signage in place. I want to ensure our community is safe this Summer.

“I’d particularly like to remind residents that inflatable pools also need to be surrounded by a barrier - a pool that complies really can save lives.’

Under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 pools owners must ensure:

• Their pool is surrounded by a child-resistant barrier

•  All gates are self-closing and self-latching

•  Gates are never propped open

• Climbable objects should have been removed from around the barrier

• A resuscitation CPR chart is secured to the inside of the barrier

• Children are supervised in the pool area at all times. 

The law applies to all pools with a depth of 30cm (300mm) or more of water, including those that are portable and inflatable. Small spas are required to have a lockable lid.

Penalties of $550 apply if a pool is not surrounded by a compliant barrier.

Council’s Swimming Pool Barrier Inspection Program aims to educate property owners of their responsibilities and raise awareness about safety to prevent drownings.

Swimming Pool Inspectors are available to visit homes and business and advise owners of any changes required to obtain a compliance certificate.

To report a non-compliant pool or to learn more about what is required to obtain a certificate of compliance, visit Shoalhaven Council website.

Image. Child in pool Credit: Shoalhaven Council