General News
9 February, 2023
Warm weather sparks pool fence safety message
Despite a handful of cooler days, the warm weather is set to continue and with it comes a warning from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to keep pool and spa fences up to code. The VBA is reminding residents they need to check practitioners are...
Despite a handful of cooler days, the warm weather is set to continue and with it comes a warning from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to keep pool and spa fences up to code.
The VBA is reminding residents they need to check practitioners are registered when looking to install pools and pool fencing.
“Making sure a registered building practitioner has installed your pool or pool fence is vital, don’t let just anyone be responsible for the safety of your family,” VBA executive director of regulatory operations David Brockman said.
“Just one drowning death is too many, and in Victoria in the last two decades 20 children have drowned in cases where a non-compliant safety barrier has been a factor.
“With travel returning to normal following the pandemic, there are increasing numbers of people congregating in Victorian homes and pool owners must ensure that anyone using their pool can do so safely.”
Since November 2020, Victorians must register their pool or spa with their local council.
Safety barriers on pools and spas must include self-latching and self-closing gates.
Outdoor pool or spa area must not be directly accessible via a building.
The VBA has created checklists owners can use to see if their barriers meet the standards at www.vba. vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools
To register you pool or spa with the Central Goldfields Shire Council visit www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au