Mansfield Shire Council is reminding pool and spa owners that all Victorian swimming pools and spas are required to be registered by 1 November.
Mansfield Shire Senior Coordinator Community Safety, Kevin Murphy said there is a one-off fee of up to $77.
“The Victorian Government introduced new swimming pool and spa safety laws on 1 December 2019 along with a new compliance program to ensure swimming pool and spa safety standards are being met. Complying with the new laws is a two-step process,” Mr Murphy said.
“First pool and spa owners need to register their pool or spa with Council. Following the registration, a certificate of compliance is required. The age of the pool determines the deadline for the certificate of compliance,” he said.
“Council is encouraging all owners to be proactive and register their pool or spa with Council prior to this due date for the safety of everyone.”
The new requirements are to ensure all pools and spas have the required fencing. If you are not sure what you need to meet the requirements, please phone Council’s Building Services team soon so they can provide you with the information you need.
Mr Murphy said the registration deadline coincides with Kidsafe Victoria’s annual Safe Barriers Save Lives backyard pool safety campaign.
The campaign urges homeowners to ensure their backyard swimming pools are safe and comply with the regulations, to prevent toddler drownings.
Figures from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia's national drowning report show that in 2019/20, 12 Australian children aged 0-4 years of age drowned. Swimming pools were the leading location where these incidents occurred, accounting for 50% of all toddler drowning deaths.
While pool and spa barriers are effective in helping to reduce childhood drowning incidents, a large number of drowning deaths are the result of barriers that are faulty or non-compliant with Australian standards.
Kidsafe has highlighted the top 5 faults or non-compliance issues which are important for all homeowners to regularly check and maintain. These include:
- The gate or door is no longer self-closing
- The gate or door is no longer self-latching
- The gate is propped open
- There are gaps, holes or spaces in and under the barrier which a child can get through
- There are climbable objects near the pool barrier e.g. BBQ's, outdoor furniture, trees etc.
Mr Murphy said owners can register a swimming pool or spa via Council’s online pool registration form on Council’s website or download a printable form and e-mail it to council@mansfield.vic.gov.au.
The registration form, as well as more information on the guidelines required, can be found on our Building and Planning page.
Please contact the Community Safety team with any queries on 5775 8555.
