The Australian government has imposed new and stricter swimming pool regulations to pool owners. Each year 60 children are admitted to hospital following near-drowning accidents in NSW. These new regulations have been put in place with the goal is to decrease the rate of accidents and ideally eliminate them completely.
The amended Swimming Pools Act took effect in the 29th of October 2012 and if one is familiar with the Swimming Pools Act of 1992, one will easily recognize which parts have been amended. These new regulations are to be taken seriously as the consequences are not light. Besides, it is for the safety of your children and it is better to be safe than sorry.
What are the new and amended regulations?
- Prior to selling or having a house rented, it should be subjected to inspection in order to ensure that the home owner is complying with the safety regulations.
- All pool owners are required to register themselves via the https://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/ website. Owners need to state in all honesty that they are following and complying with the pool barrier legislation.
- Should a home owner fail to register that he owns a swimming pool, the penalty can reach up to $2,200.
- The local councils are required to perform random inspections. The inspection cost has been capped at $150.
- Swimming pools that are part of unit blocks or public/tourist accommodation are subject to inspection on a regular basis.
These new swimming pool regulations were formed after the state government has sought the professional advice of councils, water safety advocates, pool owners, State agencies and industry organisations.
Register Your Pool Online Now
If you have not registered your swimming pool yet, you must do so by the 29th of October 2013. Free online registration of swimming pools is done via this website.