Swimming Pool Education & Information
- Is Your Pool Safe?
Pool fencing requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains a safe and effective barrier to preventable drownings. Now the weather is heating up, it’s time to check your pool fence to keep your family and friends safe. Download a free checklist.
- Register Your Pool
Registering your swimming pool or spa pool is quick and easy. NSW laws require all property owners in NSW register their swimming pool or spa pool on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. There is a handy 'How to register' video tutorial available on the Register website.
- Inflatable Pools
Did you know that pools holding 30cm or more of water, including portable and inflatable pools, require the same fencing as any other backyard pool. Fines for a non-compliant pool enclosure can be as high as $5,500! Kids can drown in silence, or suffer serious brain injury, if left unsupervised around water. Water left in kids wading pools can also breed bacteria and viruses making people who use them ill. While these pools may seem like a cheap option, weigh up the risks for your family. Further information is available here.
- Have Your Pool Fence Inspected
Every pool or spa greater than a depth of 30cm requires a secure fence which must be registered, inspected and certified. Council or a Private Certifier can inspect your pool fence and make sure it complies with the NSW Swimming Pools Regulation 2018. A Certificate of Compliance for pool fencing has a limited validity – make sure yours is current!
- Pool Toys
Make sure pool toys and flotation devices fit your child’s age, weight and height range. Pool toys that are left in and around the pool, make it more attractive for children to climb into the enclosure. Always deflate and pack away your pool toys at the end of the swimming day. Remember, inflatable devices are never a substitute for vigilant supervision! For more tips visit here.
- Keep Watch
The most effective way to keep your family and friends safe while they are swimming is to keep watch. Always pay attention to where they are and what they are doing. If you are having a party or gathering, make sure there is a designated competent person who is not consuming alcohol so that they can assist in an emergency. Adults swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs increase their risk of drowning or near drowning. Keep watch on each other in the water this summer. For more information visit here.
- Pets and Pools
Not all pets can swim! Even doggies have to learn how to dog-paddle! Ensure your pool is securely fenced and supervise your pet when swimming at home or out around waterways. Some tips for water safety and pets can be found here.
- Be Sun Smart this Summer
If you're out in the sun over Summer, make sure you Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide! Everyone knows what to do, but we forget to put it into practice every day!
For some really great sun safety recommendations, see NSW Cancer Council website.
For more information, download Council's brochure(PDF, 503KB) or contact the Planning & Environment Department on 02 6817 8800.