Published on Friday, 29 January 2021 at 9:26:45 AM
The Town reminds residents of the importance of maintaining the gates and latches of swimming and spa pool barriers, crucial to stopping preventable household drowning deaths.
All private swimming and spa pools that contain water that is more than 300 mm deep must have a compliant barrier installed that restricts access by young children to the pool or spa and immediate surrounds.
Gates that are no longer self-closing and latching due to failing hinges are one of the most common reasons for non-compliant swimming and spa pool barrier inspections.
The Town conducts inspections of swimming and spa pool barriers upon installation, prior to the pool or spa being filled with water. Following this initial inspection, the Town completes a minimum of one mandatory inspection every four years.
Mayor Peter Carter urged all households with a swimming or spa pool to ensure all gates and latches were working correctly.
“In WA, domestic swimming pools are the most common site in which drowning for children aged 0 to 5 years occurs. Around 94% of drowning incidents occur at locations in and around the home.
“I urge all swimming and spa pool owners to ensure gates are self-closing and latching. The idea is that if it is accidentally left open, it will still securely shut to protect young children.
“I also remind residents who are considering installing a swimming or spa pool on their land to be aware of the need to obtain relevant permits from the Town prior to construction.
“Tragic incidents can be significantly reduced if we are all aware of the potential hazards of water in everyday life.”
Click here to access information regarding the Town’s swimming and spa pool inspections.
Click here to access the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Rules for Pools and Spas.
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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