Stronger laws for pool fences welcomed

A PROMINENT Victorian legal firm has supported calls for Victorians to check the fences of their pools and spas.

Last month, Planning Minister Richard Wynne urged pool owners to use a downloadable checklist to ensure their fences are safe.

He also urged owners to voluntarily register their pools before mandatory registration laws are introduced this year.

The register means all pools and spas could be subject to safety inspections.

Dimi Ioannou, a principal lawyer specialising in public safety issues at Maurice Blackburn, said the firm had seen too many cases involving drownings and near drownings in pools.

“Too many families have had to endure the heartbreak of losing a child in a drowning tragedy.

“Last summer was particularly devastating for drowning deaths: on our beaches, in lakes and in backyard pools. Royal Life Saving statistics tragically inform us that the majority of toddlers and children who drown do so in backyard swimming pools as a result of lack of or in adequate fencing barriers.

“It’s important to have adult supervision around pools and that all households are complying with the regulatory requirements to protect children.”

Ms Ioannou said the state government had confirmed changes to the Building Act, which will give inspectors authority to enter a premises and check whether barriers comply.

“There are laws in each state that specific minimum safety requirements. The requirements vary depending on the date the pool was constructed.

“Pools built after 2010 will require isolation fences, while those built before 2010 can include lockable doors and windows as part of the pool barrier.”

According to Life Saving Victoria, there were 13 drowning deaths of children aged 0-4 years in the 10 years to 2016/17.