Royal Life Saving is working with the NSW Government to urge people in the Bellingen Shire to be aware of the real danger of backyard pool drownings. New figures now show 55 per cent of all 0 to five-year-old drowning deaths in a backyard pool happen because of either a faulty gate or a gate being propped open.
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And Royal Life Saving NSW CEO David Macallister says it is not commonly known but up to 95 per cent of all pools fail on their first inspection.
“It is disturbing to know 83 young children have drowned in a backyard pool in NSW in the past 13 years and a further 80 children have suffered neurological (brain) damage as a result of being immersed in a pool,” David Macallister said.
“The latest awareness initiative is highlighting to people in the Bellingen area that if you are buying, selling or leasing a property with a swimming pool, laws have changed.”
Mr Macallister said from yesterday, all spas and pools have either a relevant occupation certificate, a certificate of compliance or a certificate of non-compliance issued from the NSW Swimming Pool Register.
Details about the law changes can be found at swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au
“Ultimately if you are buying, selling or leasing a property with a spa or pool you absolutely have to have one of the certificates identified above,” Mr Macallister said. “Certificates can only be issued by either council or an independent certifier who is registered with the Buildings Professional Board. Details are at the website.
“Because New South Wales has such great weather, Autumn is still a time when we have gatherings around pools. Make sure your spa or pool is up to scratch. Be vigilant about safety and compliance.”
