With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to ensure your pool is safe and secure, and in line with current standards.
Many residents in the Bundaberg Region enjoy the health and recreational benefits of a pool at home, but pool ownership brings a responsibility to safeguard the area from unsupervised access by young children.
Council’s Community Liveability, Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Councillor Carmen McEneany said pool owners were required by Queensland law to meet safety standards.
“Pool safety laws are aimed at reducing incidences of drowning and serious immersion injuries in young children,” Cr McEneany said.
“It’s vital every pool owner regularly checks that their pool area is compliant with the safety requirements.
“This includes making sure the pool fence is secure and the gate closed, that the area around the fence and gate is kept clear of objects a child could climb to gain entry and CPR sign is displayed.
“These rules apply to inground and above ground pools, spas and even small inflatable pools if they can hold 30 cm or more of water, as children can drown in shallow water.”
Cr McEneany said children should always be supervised by a responsible adult when playing in or near a pool.
As a pool owner you must:
- register your pool with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission
- have a pool fence that meets the pool barriers safety standard
- maintain your pool fence to meet current safety standards
- get a pool safety certificate if you are selling or leasing your property
- keep pool gates closed
- keep the pool area clear of objects that children could climb to enter the pool unattended by making a non-climbable zone
- check children cannot access your pool or spa from any doors and windows in your house
- display a compliant CPR sign.
Cr McEneany said in addition to being pool safe, residents putting in a new pool had to comply with building approval requirements.
“Building a new pool or spa, including blow-up pools over 30 cm in depth, requires building approval prior to commencing any work,” she said.
“Council enforces the rules relating to the development and maintenance of swimming pools and spas in the region.
“Non-compliance with pool development and safety standards can have serious consequences, not just for the pool owner but also for the safety of our neighbourhoods.”
Information on building approval for new pools and spas is available on Council’s website. Visit the QBCC website for more pool safety laws.
