Tweed Shire Council is reminding pool owners and tenants to check safety barriers and supervise children closely as backyard pools see increased use this summer.
The reminder comes as hot weather drives more people to their pools, with Council stressing the importance of compliance with the Swimming Pools Act to prevent tragic accidents.
Council's Manager 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," Mr Lonsdale said.
"Active supervision is the first line of defence. Just like at the beach, you should never leave a child unattended near water."
Mr Lonsdale also highlighted common compliance issues, including faulty or propped-open gates, which can allow children unsupervised access to pool areas.
"Alarmingly, we find that around 90% of pools inspected in Tweed Shire have gates that do not latch properly," he said.
"This fault can allow a child to easily open the gate and enter the pool enclosure. We also regularly see gates propped open with pot plants, rocks or other objects for convenience — a dangerous practice that can have tragic consequences."
Under the Swimming Pools Act, property owners must:
- ensure the pools is surrounded with a child-resistant safety barrier that separates the swimming pool(s) from any residential building and any place adjoining the property
- keep doors and gates that provide access to the swimming pool closed
- display a cardiopulmonary resuscitation sign (CPR) near the pool (including portable pools). The sign must be in good condition and easily readable from 3m away.
A number of useful documents can be viewed on Council's website, visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/SwimmingPools or to check for current compliance visit swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au
