Georges River Council is urging the community to comply with pool safety laws.
Council has been working to make sure pools in the local area meet the requirements of the Swimming Pools Act 1992. This mandates that all swimming pools must have a compliant safety barrier. Barriers are critical in reducing the risk of drowning, especially for children under five.
Council also launched its 'Get Summer Ready' campaign in December. It reminds residents about the importance of water safety and checking pool barriers.
According to the National Drowning Report 2025, there have been 357 drowning deaths over the past 12 months. This is a 27% increase on the 10-year average. Of these, 10% occurred in swimming pools.
Council's preference is to educate and assist residents to comply with the law. However, enforcement action is taken when repeated attempts to achieve compliance have failed. In recent months, Council has successfully prosecuted several cases in the Local Court. This has resulted in fines and criminal records for non-compliant pool owners. These outcomes highlight the serious consequences of ignoring pool safety laws.
Georges River Council General Manager David Tuxford said, "Pool fencing saves lives, and every child's safety is worth that extra check. Compliance isn't just a legal requirement, it's also a moral responsibility we all share as a community.
"I urge our residents to check that their pool barrier is secure."
Residents should check their pool barriers immediately and ensure they meet the legal requirements. For advice or to book an inspection, visit Council's Swimming Pool Compliance and Safety webpage.
