On December 1, a new pool safety law has been implemented by the state government, backyard swimming pools and spas must now be registered with Council and have a current certificate of compliance for approved safety barriers.

Data shows that four children die in Victoria in drowning at home swimming pools and spas each year and many more children are taken to hospitals for almost dying.

Casey Mayor, Cr Susan Serey said:

“Since 2000, 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas across Victoria and in the majority of those cases, the non-compliance of the safety barrier was a contributing factor,” Cr Serey said.

“These new laws are an important step towards improving safety around backyard swimming pools and spas and ensuring that we do all we can to keep children safe near the water.”

Owners will need to register their swimming pool or spa with Council before 1 June 2020, and the council will be using existing records to contact owners to notify them of the new regulations and their responsibility.

There is a one-off registration fee of $79 for pools installed before 1 June 2020 and $31.80 for pools installed after 1 June 2020.

Pool owners will be required to obtain a certificate confirming the compliance of their pool or spa barrier every four years.

The rules apply to all private swimming pools and spas that can hold more than 300mm (30cm) of water. These include:

• In-ground pools
• Indoor pools
• Spa pools
• Relocatable, temporary or inflatable pools and spas – they must be capable of holding more than 300mm or water and are up for more than three-consecutive days.