Keep pool play safe

AS THE weather warms up, Casey residents are reminded children need constant supervision around pools and spas.
Casey council’s manager of building services Ron Walker said drowning was the leading cause of preventable death in children under five years of age, and reminded residents it was vital they played their part to ensure safety standards were met when it came to pools and spas.
Regulations apply to any swimming pool or spa containing a water depth of more than 300mm and built on a property where a house is situated.
“A pool or spa greater than 300mm in depth and capable of containing a depth of water exceeding 300mm requires a building permit, and any fence required to form a barrier for a pool or spa also requires a building permit,” Mr Walker said.
“If you own a pool or spa, the building regulations place responsibility on you to ensure that barriers are in place to restrict children from entering the pool area.”
Mr Walker said constant adult supervision of children in the pool area was required.
Pool safety checklist:
• Ensure that pool fences, gates, doors and windows that form the barrier are fitted and maintained to operate correctly,
• Ensure all safety barriers such as gates and doors are not left open or propped open,
• Maintain landscaping to ensure that tree branches and pot plants are not able to be climbed on by children to gain access to the swimming pool/spa,
• Check the general area surrounding safety barriers to ensure that chairs, boxes, ropes, pool pumps, clothes lines, dog kennels and children’s play equipment are not able to be climbed on by children to gain access to the swimming pool/spa area,
• Have a supervision plan in place to maintain constant visual contact with children in the pool/spa area,
• If you are the supervisor and you leave the pool/spa area, take the children with you.
For more information about pool and spa fences contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200.