Pool safety paramount this summer

A CHANGE in regulations from the State Government will aim to protect children from drowning in their backyards.

From late next year, a new regulatory regime will come into force, seeing regular pool and spa barrier inspections.

In preparation, the Victoria Building Authority has developed a voluntary register and self-assessment tool for pool and spa owners to improve the safety of their fences before inspections begin.

The most effective way of protecting children around water is with adult supervision. Twenty-five Victorian children drowned in pools and spas between January 2000 and April 2017.

To use the self-assessment tool and sign up to the pool register, go to vba.vic.gov.au/consumers.