Drowning is preventable however it is still the number one cause of accidental death in children under the age of five in Australia. It can happen at any time of year. For every drowning there are many more near drownings, leaving children with permanent brain damage. Sadly an average of 6 children drown in swimming pools each year in New South Wales alone.

The state government is actively trying to reduce this rate and have conducted a review of the New South Wales Swimming Pools Act.

Amendments to the legislation have been made to enhance the safety of pool areas and all homeowners with a pool or spa (spa baths are not included).

A Swimming Pool Register has been created to record and monitor all pools and spas throughout New South Wales. Homeowners are required to register their pool or spa by the 29th October 2013 or they will  incur a fine of up to $2,200.

All pools or spas must also be certified by the 29th April 2014. Certification will be granted if a pool or spa has been built within the last three years or has been inspected by an accredited certifier and found to meet the required safety standards. A certificate lasts three years unless alterations are made or a subsequent inspection finds the pool or spa to be incompliant.  Houses cannot be sold or leased after this date without a valid certification.

The Wagga Wagga City Council are currently conducting audits of all pools or spas to ensure they are compliant. These audits are conducted at random and the Council will notify you if  your property has been inspected.

For more information please refer to the NSW Swimming Pool Register at
www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au. or call Tenielle Binet, Senior Property Manager on 02 6939 7114.