Backyard pool owners are putting the safety of themselves and others at risk by failing to follow current safety standards.
New figures released by the Schrinner Council reveal a staggering one-in-four pools did not meet standards with faulty gate latches and climbable objects close to barriers the most common safety issue.
The significant number of uncompliant pools has prompted Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to urge residents to use Council’s free pool safety inspection service to ensure their pool was safe.
“Brisbane has a very high number of pools, owing to our warm sub-tropical climate,” Cr Schrinner said.
“If you don’t own a pool, many residents and their kids often take advantage of their neighbour’s pool.
“However, we have to remember, particularly over summer school holidays, that pools can be deadly if unsupervised children manage to access them.
“That’s why it is so important that owners ensure their pool is safe and if there’s any doubt they can access a free safety inspection just to be sure.”
Of the 1006 pool inspections carried out in 2021, 26 per cent failed to meet the required safety standards, Council figures show.
It comes after the 2021 Royal Life Saving report found drowning deaths among children under four had increased by nine percent over the past decade.
“We investigate complaints of pool non-compliance and while we endeavour to educate people about how to meet safety standards, repeat offenders risk attracting a fine of nearly $1000,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Pool owners have a responsibility to keep their pools safe, so if you’ve been putting off fixing these issues, complacency is not only costly, it could cost a life.
“Unfortunately, pool compliance figures have not improved over the past year so we want more residents booking in for a free 30-minute inspection.”
Council’s free pool inspections include a written report as well as technical guidance on what may be required fix any issues.
Council has conducted more than 21,000 free pool safety inspections since the program began in 2009.
Swim School Aquatic Achievers Head Of Operations Sean Langeveld said keeping safe around the backyard pool should also include teaching children how to swim, supervising children while they are in or around water, increasing their water awareness and ensuring first aid knowledge is up-to-date.
“Parents and carers can practice water familiarisation techniques at home from birth or attend sessions at a swim school from as early as 3-4 months of age,” Mr Langeveld said.
“The best place to start is in the bath or shower and make it fun by introducing toys and singing – always let them know what is about to happen by using cue words like “name, ready, go” followed by lots of smiles and praise.
“At Aquatic Achievers, we teach children a collection of skills to make them safer and more prepared in the water. These include floats, rolling from front positions to back positions, survival strokes as well as safe entry and exit techniques.
“I encourage all Brisbane families to get ready for Summer early by getting children into lessons as soon as possible – stay vigilant around the water and make sure your child knows to always swim with an adult. Have fun and take advantage of all the things you can do when you know how to swim!”
Top risks to check backyard pools for this summer:
• Faulty gate latches
• Objects encroaching the non-climbable zone (furniture, pots, toys etc.)
• Maintenance of fencing (keeping fencing in sound and working condition)
• Changing fencing without gaining approval
• Outdated CPR signs
For further information on pool safety visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, and to request a free Pool Safety Inspection, email us at LCS-CARS-BE_Ops@brisbane.qld.gov.au.
Head to www.adrianschrinner.com.au/brisbane-news to keep up to date with what’s happening in Brisbane.
