Backyard pools and spas can be welcome places to escape the summer heat, but unsafe or poorly maintained fences can lead to serious injury or backyard tragedies. Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction, urged Canberrans with backyard pools to check if their pool fencing and barriers meet current standards.
Many backyard pools met the compliance standards when they were built, but some pool barriers might not meet current pool safety compliance and maintenance standards.
“While supervision is the best way to prevent drownings or serious injury, a lack of adequate pool fencing and maintenance can be a key contributing factor to these incidents occurring,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“I encourage owners to check if your backyard pool meets the current standards set out in the Building Code of Australia, and begin to rectify their fencing and barrier to ensure no tragedy takes place in their backyard.”
The ACT Government is developing a scheme that will require pool fences to meet current standards.
“Legislative reform to require pools to have a fence meeting the current standards remains a high priority of mine,” Ms Vassarotti said. “Even though COVID-19 prevented us from continuing that work this year, the ACT Government remains committed to increasing pool and spa safety.”
Ms Vassarotti asked Canberrans to be vigilant with their children and family around swimming pools this summer.
“Check that your pool fences, gates and other barriers are secure; supervise children at all times; and keep gates to pools and spas shut.”
Due to COVID-19, children had less access to swimming lessons and organised water activities.
You can learn more about having a swim safe summer by visiting the Backyard Lifeguard website. To self-assess your swimming pool and surrounding area, visit our pool barrier safety checklist.
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