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Prevent a tragedy – ensure your pool or spa is safeWith families gearing up to make the most of the warm summer months, Wellington Shire Council is issuing a timely reminder to those with an outdoor pool or spa to ensure that they meet safety requirements. By Wellington Shire Council - 1st December 2003 - Back to News Drowning is the most common cause of preventable death for children under five years of age in Victoria. With this in mind the State Government has implemented a number of regulations designed to improve child safety and eliminate the likelihood of a tragedy occurring. The most important requirements to note are:
- gates and doors giving access to the pool or spa area must be self-closing;
- fences, barriers, gates and doors to pools and spas need to be regularly maintained to ensure they operate effectively at all times;
- building permits are needed for new pool fencing and new pools with a water depth of more than 300mm (regardless of the volume of water).
These requirements also apply to toddlers pools capable of containing a water depth of 300mm
As part of the Council’s ongoing safety program, Enforcement Officers will be carrying out periodic inspections of pools and spas around the Shire, which have been identified from site inspections and aerial photographs, to make sure they meet all necessary regulations.
Failure to comply with the regulations is not only potentially life-threatening, but carries the prospect of an on-spot-fine of $200 and a possible maximum penalty of $5,000 plus court costs.
The Council has produced a fact sheet titled Swimming Pool Information which is available over the counter from its Maffra, Sale and Yarram services centres, from its web site www.wellington.vic.gov.au or by telephoning Wellington’s Municipal Building Surveyor, Barry Nicholl on 5142 3414.
Said Wellington’s Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb: "Protecting life, especially that of a child, is a top priority. That is why we are anxious to make sure all safety requirements regarding pools and spas are followed properly, which will ultimately help prevent a tragedy.
"Thankfully the vast majority of those with pools and spas in the Shire are conscientiously ensuring that these are properly maintained, and our staff are ready to answer any queries that owners might have."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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