Holroyd City Council

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Swimming Pool Safety

In NSW there are legal requirements, covered in the Swimming Pools Act 1992, for pool fencing and other approved child resistant barriers to be installed around all swimming pools and spa pools.

Home owners and occupiers choosing to have a pool have a responsibility to ensure that swimming pool fencing and other barriers are installed, operated and maintained to the Australian Standard referred to in the Swimming Pool Regulation 2008.

Many of the pool fencing requirements are outlined in Council’s Requirements for New Domestic Swimming Pools. Please also note the pool safety checklist.

Preventing Tragedy

Thousands of swimming pools across Australia are simply not meeting current safety standards and pose a serious risk to occupants and visitors. This significantly increases the risk of drowning and many more suffer serious injuries or permanent damage as a result of near-drowning experiences.

Many of these tragedies could be prevented by ensuring that there are adequate swimming pool fences and barriers surrounding all swimming pools and spas.

There is, however, no substitute for constant adult supervision. Children in and around swimming pools and spas must be watched at all times, whatever their swimming ability may be. Parents are encouraged to introduce their children to water safety at an early age and to attend swimming classes. Parents are also encouraged to learn resuscitation techniques in case of an emergency.

For more information on these important requirements, please contact Council on 9840 9840.

Home Pool Safety Tips

  • Ensure that if a child is in or around the water, remain vigilant and watch them at all times.
  • Never leave a child unsupervised around the water.
  • If you must leave the pool area, take the child with you.
  • Ensure that gates and fences meet Australian Standards.
  • Ensure regular maintenance of gates and fences.
  • Never leave a gate open or leave objects near a pool area that may be used by a child to climb over the fence.
  • Obtain adult training in basic resuscitation and first aid.
  • Purchase and display a resuscitation chart from Holroyd City Council’s Customer Service Centre.
  • Have your child taught water confidence/water safety at an early age.
  • Never used floatation aides unless under the supervision of a capable adult. Remember, they are not a life saving device.

Safewaters – Provides further information on fencing backyard pools; frequently asked questions; information in community languages; and checklists for pool owners.