The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has issued a warning to owners of swimming pools and spas to ensure they have a compliant safety barrier in place to prevent a tragedy occurring.
Executive Director of Operations at VBA, Lynda McAlary-Smith said all swimming pools capable of holding more than 300 millimetres of water must have a compliant safety barrier to restrict access to the pool area by young children.
“Since 2000, more than 20 young children have fatally drowned in cases where a non-compliant safety barrier has been a factor,” Ms McAlary-Smith said.
“These are preventable tragedies – we must do all we can to stop more heartache,” she said.
“Everyone has a part to play in pool safety – anyone who owns a pool or spa must maintain safety barriers to prevent access.”
Ms McAlary-Smith said that in Victoria, the design, construction and installation of new swimming pools, spas and safety barriers were subject to strict requirements to maximise safety.
She said the requirements included that the swimming area be constructed by a builder registered in an appropriate category or class and that safety barriers included self-latching and self-closing pool gates.
“Jumping in the pool and having a swim with family and friends is a staple of the Australian summer,” she said.
“But it’s so important to actively watch young children in and around swimming pools and spas at all times,” Ms McAlary-Smith said.
Further information on pool and spa safety can be accessed at this PS News link.
