As part of new pool safety laws introduced this month by the State Government, backyard swimming pools and spas must now be registered with Council and have a current certificate of compliance for approved safety barriers.
The new laws, which came into effect on 1 December, aim to improve safety and reduce the number of drownings of young children that occur in private swimming pools and spas.
On average, four young children die in Victoria in home swimming pools or spas each year, and many more are taken to hospital for near-drownings.
The rules apply to all private swimming pools and spas that can hold more than 300mm (30cm) of water. These include:
- In-ground pools
- Indoor pools
- Spa pools
- Relocatable, temporary or inflatable pools and spas - they must be capable of holding more than 300mm or water and are up for more than three-consecutive days.
Casey Mayor, Cr Susan Serey said keeping children safe was of paramount importance and encouraged residents to ensure their pools and spas had approved barriers and gates and followed recommended guidelines around pool safety.
"Since 2000, 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas across Victoria and in the majority of those cases, the non-compliance of the safety barrier was a contributing factor," Cr Serey said.
"These new laws are an important step towards improving safety around backyard swimming pools and spas and ensuring that we do all we can to keep children safe near the water."
Owners will need to register their swimming pool or spa with Council before 1 June 2020, and council will be using existing records to contact owners to notify them of the new regulations and their responsibility.
Residents can also go online to register at www.casey.vic.gov.au/register-or-update-your-poolspa-details.
There is a one-off registration fee, which has been set by the Victorian Government: $79 for pools installed before 1 June 2020 and $31.80 for pools installed after 1 June 2020.
Pool owners will also be required to obtain a certificate confirming the compliance of their pool or spa barrier every four years.
