Pool and spa registration helping to keep our community safe

More than 4400 swimming pools and spas have been registered in Maroondah since the introduction of Victorian Government regulations in December 2019.

Council’s Building Services team has worked extensively with our community to ensure successful registration of private pools and spas, leading to a high compliance rate.

Of the 4713 pools/spas identified in Maroondah, 4426 have been registered. A further 550 pools and spas have since been removed by property owners.

A survey by the Victorian Auditor General Office (VAGO) into Victoria’s 79 Councils has examined how effectively Councils have implemented private pool and spa safety barrier regulations.

The VAGO survey highlighted the success of Council’s Building Services team in implementing and managing the compliance program, which is critical in ensuring the safety of the Maroondah community.

The survey findings will now form part of a ‘Regulating Private Pool and Spa Safety’ report to be delivered to Parliament.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane, thanked residents for their cooperation and said that while registering a private pool or spa is an important start, there are additional essential water safety precautions to take.

“Thank you to everyone who has registered their private pool or spa - your cooperation has contributed to Maroondah’s high compliance rate. While this is great news, registration is only part of the process. Water safety impacts everyone in our community, so it’s vital that we take all necessary precautions.

“It’s essential that you check your pool and spa fencing and barriers to ensure they are in proper working order, as evidence suggests a large number of drowning deaths are the result of barriers that are faulty or non-compliant with Australian standards,” Cr Steane said.

“You should never leave children unsupervised around water, even if they can swim independently, or rely on older children to supervise younger children around water. Children, especially toddlers, require active adult supervision around water at all times. This means being within arm’s reach, such as being beside them in the bath or with them in the pool.

“Teaching children about water safety is also crucial. The best way to do this is to enrol them in regular swimming lessons at an early age and have regular discussions with them about water safety in different environments, such as following the rules and not diving into shallow water.”

If you have not yet registered your pool or spa or lodged your Certificate of Barrier Compliance, you can still do so via our website or by calling us on 1300 88 22 33.