First line of defence for pool safety this summer

WITH the hot weather firmly setting in and an increase in backyard pool use, Tweed Shire Council is urging the community to check their pool security and supervise children in the water closely.

The council is also reminding pool owners and tenants to check safety barriers and pool fences as summer sets in and is stressing the importance of compliance with the Swimming Pools Act (NSW) to prevent tragic accidents.

Manager of building and environmental health, Iain Lonsdale, said pool owners must take responsibility for both compliance and supervision.

“With summer here, and pools in more use, it’s imperative that property owners and tenants actively supervise young children at all times when using the swimming pool,” Lonsdale said.

“Active supervision is the first line of defence. Just like at the beach, you should never leave a child unattended near water.”

Under the Act, property owners must ensure a child-resistant safety barrier surrounds the pool and separates the swimming area from any residential building or place adjoining the property.

It also requires pool owners to keep doors and gates that provide access to the swimming pool closed and to display a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sign near the pool (including portable pools).

Lonsdale said common compliance issues, including faulty or propped-open gates, could allow children unsupervised access to pool areas.

For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/SwimmingPools