Pool owners in the Wagga Wagga area should have received a letter in the mail from the Wagga City Council regarding the new Swimming Pool Compliance and Audit Program.  Council will be visiting 1500 registered pool owners to ensure their pool and surrounds comply with the regulations. The three main areas they will be focusing on are pool fences, access to the pool and the visibility of a resuscitation sign. Council will allow time for residents to comply with regulations before another inspection is conducted.

With the number one cause of death in children under the age of five being from drowning, it is important to ensure your pool is adequately maintained and complies with the NSW standards and regulations.

Helpful hints to keep your pool safe:

• regularly check that gates and fences are in good condition
• ensure the self-closing mechanisms on the gate are in good working order
• always close your gate when not in use and never prop the gate open
• never leave objects near the fence that children could climb on to
• ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed away from the fence
• ensure the resuscitation chart is clearly in view

A  Home swimming pool safety checklist is available on NSW Government website, which outlines in detail the steps that need to be followed to ensure your pool is compliant.

If you have a pool and haven’t received a letter in the mail please contact the Wagga City Council on 1300 292 442.