Victorian Government proposes new requirements for swimming pool and spa owners
New requirements proposed by the Victorian Government require all swimming pools and spas in Victoria to be registered, inspected and certified on a regular basis.
These new requirements are designed to save the lives of young children.
Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death in children worldwide. Life Saving Victoria states that children under five years of age have the greatest overall risk of drowning, with the highest age-specific combined rate of fatal and non-fatal drowning.
Safety barriers surrounding pools and spas are the responsibility of the owner. These requirements are designed to help owners properly maintain these important barriers.
The new regime proposed by the Victorian Government includes:
- a mandatory requirement for pool and spa owners to register their pools and spas with their municipal council
- requirements on pool and spa owners to have their safety barriers inspected
- processes for the certification of the compliance of a safety barrier following inspection or dealing with non-compliance
- fees to register and lodge compliance and non-compliance certificates.
New regulations are expected to commence on 1 December 2019.
The Regulatory Impact Statement and the proposed regulations are available for public comment on the Engage Victoria website. The public consultation period will remain open until 5:00 pm on Friday, 6 September 2019.
The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia reminds us that drowning happens quickly and silently. Always actively supervise your child around water.