Don’t risk a life – pool safety is serious

Published on 24 October 2024

With Summer just around the corner, Council is warning the community to double check that backyard pools and spas are safe and fully compliant, including safety fences, gates and barriers.

“This is a serious message for pool owners in the Byron Shire because we know that a child can drown in seconds and that drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under 5 years of age,” Council’s Director of Sustainable Environment and Economy, Shannon Burt said.

“If you own a pool or spa, or are putting one in, the responsibility is on you to ensure fences surrounding pools are designed, constructed, installed and maintained to meet Australian Standards AS 1926.1,” Ms Burt said.

See Council’s website for all the information you need to make sure your pool or spa is safe and compliant: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/swimming-pool-safety

“Importantly, when it comes to pool fence regulations in NSW, portable and inflatable pools are not exempt from the need to be fenced or obtain approval.

“By NSW law, any pool capable of being filled with water greater than 30cm in depth must have permanent child-resistant fencing,” she said.

For a list of requirements download the NSW Government’s Portable Inflatable Pool Checklist at swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/checklists.

In many circumstances, you will need Council approval to install an inflatable pool. All pools with a water volume of more than 2000 litres require development approval.

Spa pools need to be secured with a lockable lid or alternatively a compliant swimming pool barrier. 

Pool safety checklist:   

1. Get a safety compliance certificate: www.byron.nsw.gov.au/swimming-pool-safety 
2. Teach your children to swim.  
3. Watch children in the pool & remain an arm’s reach away.
4. Always watch your child when using flotation devices.  
5. Ensure child-resistant barriers are installed correctly.  
6. Maintain, repair or replace faulty safety latches.  
7. Remove climbable objects from around the fence.  
8. Never prop open the pool gate. 
9. Stay up to date with first aid skills.  
10. Display a resuscitation CPR chart on your pool fence.  

“Also, if you rent your property permanently or for short-term holiday rental, there are possible insurance and legal implications for property owners if their pool is non-compliant,” Ms Burt said.

For more information on Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/swimming-pool-safety or contact our Building Services Team for pool fencing compliance advice on 02 6626 7050.