Make a splash, not a tragedy: Unregistered pools pose risk to children

THE City of Greater Geelong (COGG) is reminding community members to register their new swimming pools and spas and have their safety barriers inspected to keep young children safe this summer.

The majority of fatal drownings of children under 5 years of age happen in the home and in Victoria 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas since 2000.

In at least 20 of these cases, the Victorian Coroner found the barriers in place did not meet safety standards, likely contributing to the fatal drownings.

It has been a requirement for landowners to register their pools and spas with their local council since 2019 when legislation was introduced to increase safety and reduce the risk of further drownings.

Newly installed pools and spas must be registered within 30 days of completion under a building permit and safety barriers must be inspected by a registered pool inspector every four years.

COGG’s acting executive director of planning and design, Joanne Van Slageren, said swimming pool and spa owners will receive information at registration about which Australian standard their safety barrier will need to comply with.

“Having a pool or spa is a wonderful addition to a property to relax, exercise and cool off in the privacy of your own yard,” Ms Van Slageren said.

“Owning a pool or spa does come with some responsibilities to protect young children and reduce the likelihood of a drowning.”

She said there are currently 7,300 registered swimming pools and spas on privately owned land throughout the Greater Geelong region.

“I encourage new owners to register and certify their pools and spas, and have their barrier inspected by a registered pool inspector.”

“It is mandatory to register and certify these structures and this only needs to be done once, while safety barriers are inspected every four years.

“The City is here to support owners through this process and answer any questions they might have.”

Owners who fail to register their swimming pools and spas or have their safety barriers certified within the required timeframe are in breach of building regulations and may face penalties.

For more information or to register your swimming pool or spa, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/poolsafety or call COGG’s building department on (03) 5272 4450.