COUNCIL URGES CAUTION AROUND INFLATABLE POOLS

Published on 12 December 2017

With the onset of warmer weather and school holidays, Snowy Valleys Council is urging community members to be vigilant around inflatable pools

Council advises local residents that many inflatable pools purchased over the summer season may be required to comply with swimming pool legislation.

Pools under 2,000 litres in capacity do not require approval from Council, however, pools capable of holding water greater than 30 centimetres in depth are required to have a child resistant barrier under the Swimming Pools Act 1992.

Director Strategy, Community and Development Gus Cox said that local residents need to consider whether they are prepared to install a four sided compliant barrier prior to purchasing an inflatable pool.

“Many residents may be unaware that inflatable or portable pools are subject to the same legislation as larger permanent pools,” said Mr Cox.

“Smaller inflatable pools pose just as big a threat to the safety of children as the larger permanent pools, making it imperative that local residents ensure their pools remain compliant,” he said.

Mr Cox is encouraging those residents who are not prepared to install a compliant barrier around their inflatable pool to consider purchasing a pool less than 30 centimetres in depth that can easily be dissembled and put away after use.

More than a quarter of all drowning deaths among children in backyard swimming pools in NSW occur in inflatable or portable swimming pools.

For more information on inflatable and portable pool safety visit www.kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au

Inflatable & Portable Swimming Pool Safety