Swimming pool registrations now due

22 Oct 2013 9:31 AM -

In order to safeguard NSW toddlers, owners of the State’s 340,000 pools are now required by law to register their backyard pool using the online NSW Swimming Pool Register.
The registration process which is quick and free requires owners to conduct an assessment and confirm that their pool complies with the relevant safety standard requirements which can be found on the NSW Swimming Pool Register site www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.

With a haunting average of six childhood drowning deaths in NSW each year, up to 60 other children are admitted to hospital following a pool incident with some resulting in permanent brain injury.
Local Government Minister Hon Don Page says “compounding this tragedy is that effective, well-maintained swimming pool fences, combined with vigilant adult supervision, could have prevented most, if not all, of these drownings,’’
“The NSW Government believes the way to ensure the safety of children around swimming pools is to ensure that pool owners take responsibility for their pool,” he says.
To help achieve this, the NSW Government has developed the Swimming Pools Register, which will is now available online following the NSW Government last year amended the Swimming Pools Act 1992 to improve pool safety and help prevent drownings in backyard pools.

“It is important to remember that each deficiency in a pool barrier that is identified, and subsequently rectified, could potentially save the life of a child,’’ Mr Page said.
For that reason, the legislation requires pool owners to complete the registration process by 29 October 2013. Failure to do so could attract a penalty notice of $220, with a maximum court imposed penalty of $2200.

“While there are clear roles for the NSW Government and local councils, the ultimate responsibility lies with pool owners to ensure that they maintain a compliant pool fence and to ensure adequate supervision around the pool at all times.’’
“The simple reality is more has to be done. We cannot accept the horrific number of drownings happening in backyard swimming pools and the huge impacts those tragedies have on people’s family and friends. Every drowning has a massive impact on so many people.”

From the 29th April 2014, amendments to the Swimming Pools Act 1992, also requires all pool owners to obtain a compliance certificate before the sale or lease of their property.

For further information, pool owners are encouraged to visit www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au. This site includes information on the registration process, assessment checklists and other important pool safety information.