Pool safety barriers mandatory

YARRA Ranges Council is reminding residents that inflatable and above-ground pools capable of holding a depth of water more than 300mm must have compliant pool safety barriers.
They also require a building permit.
Numerous drowning deaths in pools happen as a result of fencing that is faulty or non-compliant with Australian standards.
Council’s building compliance officers inspected 61 pools and spas from 1 November last year to 1 November this year.
Only nine pool safety barriers were able to be approved on first visit, and the majority were found to be non-compliant.
In 2015-’16, 21 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned, the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report shows.
More than half of all toddler drowning incidents occurred in a backyard pool (52 per cent – 11 incidents) during this time.
Director of Social and Economic Development Ali Wastie says that while most people know their in-ground pool or spa is required to be fenced, they may not know other above ground or smaller pools require fencing.
“Above-ground pools capable of holding a depth of water more than 300mm, no matter what size, must be properly fenced,” Ms Wastie said.
“Spas require an isolation barrier or fence. Lockable lids or tarps are not enough and do not comply.
“It’s also imperative that parents keep an eye on their children at all times while they are in or near the water.”
Ms Wastie said it was vital that parents regularly checked and maintained their pool barriers to ensure they were in proper working order.
Further information and advice on pool and spa safety requirements is available by contacting council’s Building Services department on 1300 368 333.
More details at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.