It’s almost time to make a splash… safely!
Explore Councils by state
Posted on September 15, 2022
As the weather heats up, the thought of jumping into sparkling cold water becomes more appealing every day.
Whether you have a pool or you’re looking to build a pool, council can help you understand the regulations and safety measures required.
‘A pool that is compliant with government regulations isn’t just about being a stickler for the rules,’ said General Manager Communities John McDougall.
‘It’s because pools with improper fencing or safety measures can lead to devastating consequences.’
According to the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia, most children who drown in home pools fall in by accident.[1]
Improper or broken fencing can lead to children being able to access the pool unsupervised. Young children are often attracted to the water and colourful pool toys.
Shannon Balison, Officer in Charge of the Ambulance Service in Emerald mentions that adult supervision is critical for children of all ages as drowning can happen to anyone at any age.
‘Fencing your pool is not only the best way of preventing drowning accidents, but it’s also the law,’ Mr McDougall said.
The definition of a pool includes any excavation or structure capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300 mm. This includes store-bought pools.
If you’re unsure about the compliance of your pool or want advice on how to safely install a store-bought pool, council compliance officers can provide free advice and pool inspections. This inspection might just save a life.
[1] https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/stay-safe-active/locations/water-safety-at-home