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Published on 08 January 2020
In a push to keep kids safer around water, the Victorian State Government has introduced new legislation. The legislation requires owners of swimming pools and spas in Victoria to register their pool or spa with their Local Council by 1 June 2020. The new laws, are in response to 27 children drowning in private swimming pools and spas since 2000. In at least 20 of those cases, non-compliance of the safety barrier is likely to have played a role.
Owners should also: • Ensure the gate is closed whenever someone enters or exits the pool area, • Remove any objects from around the barrier that young children could use to climb over the barrier into the pool or spa area, • Ensure that self-latching devices are installed on the gate and are working properly, • Repair or replace any component of the barrier that isn’t working properly, • Ensure there are no gaps in barriers that would allow a young child to access the pool area.
Owners are required to have their pool or spa barrier inspected every four years. Following inspection, residents will need to lodge their compliance certificate with council.
For more information or to register your pool or spa, go to the Your Property section of our website. A word from the Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter “We need to work together to keep all children safe around water and reduce any risks that can lead to drowning.” We welcome this new legislation that will help ensure pools and spas are appropriately secured in the City of Maribyrnong.
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