Be Pool Safe

Changed Swimming Pool Laws - Be Pool Safe

NSW Swimming Pool Register

Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky is calling on all backyard pool owners in NSW to "Be Pool Safe" and sign up to the NSW Swimming Pool Register.

"It is critical all pool owners register their pools so councils and water safety educators can more effectively communicate with pool owners to try and halt drownings.

"There are over 300,000 pools across NSW. Royal Life Saving NSW believes that in a number of areas as many as 1 in every 2 pools simply doesn't meet safety standards.

This video is available in additional languages, simply click on CC - Closed Captioning. Languages include:

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Q. What is the NSW Swimming Pool Register?

A. A State-wide record of private backyard swimming pools.

Q. What is the purpose of the Register?

A. The Register aims to improve child safety by promoting the regular maintenance of pool barriers while ensuring those barriers comply with the applicable barrier safety standards. A Pool Compliance Certificate may be issued should a pool compliance inspection be carried out by a Council or private certifier. Pool Compliance Certificates are valid for 3 years. 

Q. How do I register my pool?

A. The public can access the Swimming Pools Register via the internet from 29 April 2013 at www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au. Alternately, Councils will be able to register pools on behalf of pool owners. Pool owners should visit their local Councils from 29 April 2013 to have their council register the pool on their behalf. A fee of $10.00 may be charged for this service.

Q. When do I have to register?

A. All pool owners are required to register their existing pools by 29 October 2013.

Q. What information do I need to enter?

A. There will be a number of fields to complete the online registration; including the address of the pool, the type of pool, the age of the pool.

Q. How will the information entered be used?

A. The Swimming Pool Register will assist Councils and water safety agencies to direct water safety information and compliance information to pool owners.

Q. How will Councils use this information?

A. The information collected through the Swimming Pool Register will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected. That is, reducing the incidence of drowning in backyard swimming pools through increased awareness of and compliance with pool safety standards and distribution of water safety resources. 

Q. Are there legal requirements for pool fencing?

A. Yes. In all States and Territories you are legally required to fence all bodies of water over 300mm in depth that are primarily used for human aquatic activity (this including paddling pools and wading pools etc). These requirements differ based on the age of the pool, the type of property (e.g. strata, private, business etc) and where you live (e.g. State and Territory, geographical setting, property configuration etc). Please contact your local council to find out the requirements for your pool.

Q. What are some of the Pool Safey issues I need to consider?

A. Owning and operating a home pool or spa is in some respects no different from running a public pool. You are still aiming to provide a safe, clean environment for your family and friends. The major issue for you as a pool owner is children - your own, your friends and your neighbours. 

Q. How do I keep my Pool Environment Safe?

A. If you own a pool you should visit www.bepoolsafe.com.au for more water safety information. There are Fact Sheets (available in 16 langugues), a Safety Checklist and water safety videos. 

Keep Watch

In Partnership with the Royal Life Saving - Keep Watch Program
Keep Watch aims to prevent drowning deaths of children under five years of age in all aquatic locations. For over 15 years Keep Watch has been educating Australian parents and carers on how to keep their children safe when in, on or around the water. For further information regarding the Keep Watch program simply click here.

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