Pool safety critical for Summer

Published on 28 October 2019

With hot weather fast approaching, residents are reminded to check the safety of their backyard swimming pool.

Council's Manager Planning Development and Compliance, Francois Van Der Berg, said that with more than 700 private swimming pools in Broken Hill it is vital that owners ensure their pool is safe and registered.

“Everyone enjoys a swim on a hot day, but we must also be mindful that drowning remains the number one cause of death in children under five," he said.

“Anyone with a swimming pool must take the time to check their pool is safe and complies with the law.”

It is estimated there are around 100 pools in Broken Hill not registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register, and a $220 fine applies to owners of unregistered pools.

Pools can be registered at swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au. Council will carry out compliance inspections over the coming months to determine the status of any unregistered pools.

Locals can engage a Council authorised officer or an E1 accredited certifier to inspect the child resistant barrier of their pool for compliance.

Child resistant barriers must comply with the relevant version of the Australian Standard (AS1926) at the time of the pool construction. Any alteration/modifications to the barriers must comply with the latest up-to-date Australian Standard.

Other required safety measures include:

· Gates must be closed at all times and be self-closing and self-latching

· Climbable objects are not to be placed against pool barriers

· CPR charts must be displayed

· Take great care with electrical hazards such as portable pumps and filters

· Inflatable pools may also require a child resistant barrier

· Child resistant barriers are to be maintained regularly

· Children should be supervised at all times

More information regarding swimming pools and the relevant laws can be found here: https://www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/Services/Public-health-and-safety/Swimming-pools/Swimming-pools-General

Compliance certificates are required before a house with a swimming pool can be sold or rented.