Did you know the majority of young children who drown in Australia do so after falling into a backyard pool? Children are naturally curious and drawn to water, and pools which have poorly maintained fencing or gates which don't close automatically can put young children’s lives at risk.
All pool owners are responsible for ensuring that their pool fences and gates comply with Australian standards and that they function correctly at all times.
Take action now to ensure your pool is safe
- Fence your pool. The City of Wanneroo inspects your pool fences and gates every four years, however owners must ensure that fences and gates are well maintained and working correctly at all times. Download our Home Pool/Spa Safety checklist to identify possible issues.
- Supervise your child. Adult supervision is required for young children at all times. Parents should always remain within arm's reach of their child while in or around water.
- Familiarise your child with water. Teach your child at home or enrol your child in lessons today by contacting your local swimming pool.
- Learn resuscitation. All pool owners should know first aid so enrol in a course today and update your skills annually.
For more information about your responsibilities as a pool owner, contact the City of Wanneroo Building Services on (08) 9405 5000.
Rules for pools and spas
All private swimming and spa pools that contain water that is more than 30 cm deep must have a compliant barrier installed that restricts access by young children to the pool and its immediate surrounds.
A private swimming pool or spa pool includes:
- In-ground and above-ground pools (including inflatable and portable pools).
- In-ground and above-ground spa pools (but not spa baths that are emptied after use).
- Bathing or wading pools.
Rules for portable pools information sheet – Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Rules for pools and spas information sheet – Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Barrier design and construction
In 1992, the State Government established compulsory standards for pool security and required that Local Authorities inspect all new swimming pools/spas and at least every 4 years thereafter.
These earlier standards have been progressively upgraded such that all new pools approved and installed on or after 5 November 2001 are now required to be isolated from the dwelling by a compliant barrier.
Further information on barrier design/construction and general pool safety can be found by downloading the information sheet below:
Swimming pools and spas (new installations) - Information sheet
Building permits for private swimming pools and pool fences - Information sheet
Safety barrier inspections
The City's Swimming Pool and Spa safety barrier inspection program aims to educate residents of the importance installing and maintaining a safety barrier to restrict access to a pool/spa by young children. Inspections are undertaken within a four (4) yearly cycle by the Royal Life Saving Society of WA (RLSSWA), as City of Wanneroo contractors.
Pool/spa owners will be notified by mail when inspection of their safety barrier is imminent, which will be carried out on a suburb basis. Due to the nature of the City’s rolling annual inspection programme, not all pools/spas in a suburb will be due for inspection at the same time.
A pool/spa safety barrier must comply at all times and it is the responsibility of owners that these are maintained. Click below to view a safety barrier information sheet and a checklist that identifies some common areas of non-compliance and has been developed to aid home owners/occupants in ensuring that their safety barrier is maintained.
Home pool/spa - Safety checklist