City urges residents to check their pool safety in lead up to summer

The City of Armadale is encouraging residents to check and ensure their pool meets safety standards ahead of the upcoming peak drowning risk period during summer.

According to Royal Lifesaving Australia, the backyard pool is a prime location for drowning fatalities, with children under five the most at risk, reporting 19 deaths in 2018/2019, 12 of which occurred in swimming pools.

Armadale currently has a zero drowning fatality record, but City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP says maintaining vigilance will be key to safety this summer, as well as ensuring residents are proactive about checking their pool safety.

“To date, there has not been any drownings within the City of Armadale’s jurisdiction, which is in part the positive result of these safety controls and the City’s swimming pool inspection service,” Mayor Zelones said. 

“However, some residents may not be aware of the requirements, for example fencing blow up pools, so now is the time to be extra vigilant and check your pool does meet Australian standards, especially to protect those most at risk – young children.”

Safety standards, such as fencing requirements, apply to any pool that holds 300 mm or more of water such as portable pools (including blow up pools), swimming pools or spas.

The Building Act 2011 requires swimming pool/spa and the associated safety barrier require a building permit and the City is required to inspect swimming pool and spa safety barriers once every four years to ensure safety requirements are met.

Residents can find further information on requirements for safety barriers around private swimming pools and spas on the City’s website www.armadale.wa.gov.au/private-swimming-pools-spas-and-safety-barriers.