Shoalhaven residents and visitors alike are being urged to be water safe these holidays, following 291 drowning deaths across the country between July 1, 2016 and June 30 this year.
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Shoalhaven City Council building and compliance manager Colin Wood asked residents to keep swimming pool compliance and safety front of mind over the summer period.
“With school holidays, backyard pools, including inflatable and portable pools, a popular option for families these pools hold potential hidden dangers,” he said.
“More than a quarter of all drowning deaths among young children occur in inflatable or portable pools.
“This is because of lack of supervision and many people are unaware these pools may need to be separately fenced in accordance with the regulations.”
Drowning is one of the major causes of death for NSW children under the age of five.
Drowning is one of the major causes of death for NSW children under the age of five.
Each year an average of 10 children under the age of five drown in backyard swimming pools, while many more suffer brain damage or other serious injuries associated with near-drowning experiences.
When buying a pool Mr Wood reminded residents a council development approval is required for the installation of an in-ground or above-ground pool, including portable pools that have the capacity to hold 2000 litres of water or more.
While a compliant safety barrier is required for any swimming pool that can hold more than 300 millimeters of water.
There is no substitute for supervision, awareness and training. Teach children to enjoy the swimming pool and respect it.
- Colin Wood
“All pool owners should check their swimming pool fencing regularly as this may save a life,” Mr Wood said.
“Council’s swimming pool compliance officers are actively addressing swimming pool compliance across the region.
“If you are the owner of a property containing a swimming pool, you can at any time apply to council, or an accredited private certifier, to obtain a certificate of compliance that the swimming pool fencing complies with the relevant legislative and safety requirements. The certificate will be valid for three years.
“Above all, there is no substitute for supervision, awareness and training.
“Teach children to enjoy the swimming pool and respect it.”
Significant penalties apply for residents found to have unauthorised or unfenced pools. Council officers can issue on the spot fines and emergency orders to empty, demolish and remove illegal pools.
Further information can be found on council’s website at www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Planning-amp-Building/Swimming-pools.
The Facts
- There were 291 drowning deaths in aquatic locations across Australia between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017;
- This is an increase of 9 drowning deaths on the 282 drowning deaths recorded in 2015/2016;
- This also represents an increase of 10 deaths on the 10-year average of 281 drowning deaths;
- NSW recorded the highest number of drowning deaths with 93, of which 74 per cent were male;
- The number of children nationally aged 0-4 years who drowned increased by four per cent;
- Drowning is one of the major causes of death for NSW children under the age of five;
- Each year on average 10 children under the age of five drown in backyard swimming pools and many more suffer brain damage or other serious injuries associated with near-drowning experiences;
- There were 685 non-fatal drowning incidents resulting in hospitalisation in 2016/2017;
- There are currently 4270 pools registered in the Shoalhaven area and 340,000 backyard swimming pools in NSW;
- Council has conducted approximately 500 inspections in relation to applications for certificate of compliance for swimming pools and complaint based inspections.
