Put pool safety first
Homeowners are being urged not to sit on the fence when it comes to pool safety and install secure, compliant barriers this summer.
According to the 2016 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report, 280 people drowned nationally between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016. NSW recorded the highest number with 96.
Swimming pools were the leading location for drowning among 0-4-year-olds, with the vast majority of drowning deaths in children under five resulting from a fall into water.
Swimming pools were also the most common location for drowning in children aged 5-14.
All swimming and spa pools that can be filled to a depth of 30cm or more and are designed or used for swimming must be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier at all times.
Eurobodalla Council’s Environmental Health and Compliance Coordinator Nathan Ladmore said the warmer weather was a timely reminder for residents to check their pool safety, teach children water awareness and brush up on their resuscitation skills.
“A review of NSW private swimming pool deaths in children under five between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2015 found the leading contributing factors were inappropriate supervision, non-compliance with pool fencing requirements and poor emergency care,” he said.
“Children most commonly gained access to the pool through a faulty fence or gate, lack of a fence or a gate that was propped open. Another common means of entry into a pool is by climbing over the fence using nearby equipment.”
Swimming and spa pool owners are required to register their pools, including in-ground, above ground, indoor and portable (eg. inflatable) pools in a NSW Government online register.
Swimming and spa pools also require certificates of compliance to show they meet safety requirements. Council or an accredited certifier can conduct an inspection and issue a certificate of compliance if the swimming pool or spa pool meets all safety requirements.
To register your swimming or spa pool visit www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au to follow the easy registration steps. Media Release Photo: Patrick Brown, 16 months, checks out the pool safety display with his dad Beau at the Eurobodalla Shire Council administration building in Moruya.
