Swimming Pools

Swimming Pools & Spas Safety

In Australia, drowning is still a major cause of death in young children under 5. In NSW swimming pool safety is legislated by the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008.

A swimming pool is defined as; being capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300 millimetres or more including portable inflatable and spa pools.

All swimming pools that are capable of being filled with 300 mm of water must be at all times surrounded by a child-resistant barrier. Inflatable / portable pools are not exempt and must comply with swimming pool laws.

DLG Swimming Pool Laws Brochure

Home Swimming Pool Safety Checklist

A spa pool is not required to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier so long as access to the water is restricted with a child resistant barrier which is secured by a lockable child-safe structure.

Pool Registration

Under the Swimming Pools Amendment Act 2012, all swimming pool owners are required to register their pool on the state-wide online Swimming Pool register at www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au from Monday 29 April 2013.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in very young children who lack the cognitive and water skills to deal with the danger. With over 300,000 backyard swimming pools in NSW, swimming pool safety is a vital issue that affects the whole community.

To register a pool, pool owners will need to know:

Address of the pool
The type of property such as a private residence, multi-occupancy (units etc) or tourist and visitor accommodation.
If the property is on a waterfront, land greater than 2 hectares or less than 230 square metres.
When the pool was built (3 choices of date range apply).
If the pool barrier has been substantially modified or rebuilt and when that took place (3 choices of date range apply).

To access the safety of your pool and to ensure it meets relevant requirements, download a checklist here

For more information phone Camden Council on 4654 7777

Additional Resources:

Links to further information:

For more information please visit The Australian Resuscitation Council website

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au

kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/drowning-prevention/swimming-pool-fencing