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How Safe Is Your Pool?As we approach the warmer months of the year Latrobe City Council is urging residents of properties with swimming pools in their yards to check the safety of the pool. By Latrobe City - 7th November 2013 - Back to News Latrobe City mayor, Councillor Sandy Kam, said that it was important to remember the legal responsibilities of owning a swimming pool.
"If your pool is new you must comply with the safety regulations and if you already own a pool now is a great time to look at any maintenance issues that may have arisen since the pool was last used. Pool and spa safety barriers can be subject to damage or wear and tear over time and that affects performance.
"Recent studies show that there were several key issues that compromised safety around pools: doors and gates where the self-closing and/or self-latching mechanism no longer worked; gates being propped open for extended periods, for example, during parties and leaving climbable objects either nearby or in the neighbouring property which allow young children to climb over barriers," Cr Kam said.
"There are many ways to maintain the safety and security of your pool and that includes regular clearing of tree branches, or nearby bushes/shrubs plus putting away any chairs, play equipment, barbecues hoses or even pot plants that could be used by a child to climb over the fence. It’s common sense but some of these items may easily be overlooked.
"A case recently prosecuted by Latrobe City Council saw a local resident fined $1000 and made to pay costs for failing to adequately maintain safety around the backyard pool. We do regular checks on home swimming pools and spas at this time of year and we will enforce the law," Cr Kam concluded.
For more information on the maintenance of swimming pool and spa safety barriers including a comprehensive self-assessment checklist go to http://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Building_and_Planning/Building/Pools_and_Spas or contact Latrobe City Building Services on 1300 367 700.
Media Enquiries:
Cr Sandy Kam, Latrobe City Mayor
Telephone: 0427 556 967
Cr Sharon Gibson, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor
Telephone: 0429 338 762
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 5128 5458
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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