Pool safety warning as summer swelters

WITH summer in full swing, Byron Shire Council is urging pool and spa owners to double-check their safety measures as backyard pools remain a significant drowning risk for young children.

The Royal Life Saving Society’s National Drowning Report 2024 shows that 15 children under the age of five drowned in Australia over the past year. Of these tragedies, 11 per cent occurred in swimming pools, with more than half in backyard pools.

The council’s director of sustainable environment and economy, Shannon Burt, said the dangers around pools cannot be overstated.

“This is a serious message for pool owners in the Byron Shire because we know that a child can drown in seconds and that drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under five years of age,” Ms Burt said.

Residents are reminded that all fences surrounding pools must meet Australian Standards AS 1926.1.

“If you own a pool or spa, or are putting one in, the responsibility is on you to ensure fences surrounding pools are designed, constructed, installed and maintained to meet Australian Standards” Ms Burt said.

Ms Burt also stressed the importance of fencing for portable and inflatable pools.

“Importantly, when it comes to pool fence regulations in NSW, portable and inflatable pools are not exempt from the need to be fenced or obtain approval,” she said.

“By NSW law, any pool capable of being filled with water greater than 30 centimetres in depth must have permanent child-resistant fencing.”

Inflatable pools holding more than 2000 litres require development approval from the council, while spa pools must have a lockable lid or a compliant safety barrier.