Enjoy your home swimming pool with peace of mind
MEDIA RELEASE - Enjoy your home swimming pool with peace of mind
November 2016
As the warmer weather sets in, the Shire of Manjimup is actively promoting the message of pool safety to all community members with home swimming pools.It is a requirement of the Building Act 2011 for swimming pools and spas with water that is more than 300mm deep, or the length of an average ruler, to have a compliant barrier installed along with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
According to the 2015/2016 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report, the leading location for drowning in the 0-5 age group was swimming pools. Shire President Wade DeCampo explained that the installation of barrier fencing and a gate is aimed at preventing the drowning deaths and injury of young children, particularly those under the age of five years.
"Eleven children died in swimming pools in 2015/2016 which is a 31% decrease against the ten year average," added Cr DeCampo, who warns the community that "now is not the time to be complacent; extra vigilance will keep our loved ones safe this summer and bring that figure down to zero."
"Ensuring the barrier around pools and spas is effective is essential; simple measures such as not propping open gates and not leaving objects near the fence that can be used to climb over, could save a life. Other active measures include remaining aware of what other people, particularly children, are doing around open water and getting certified in First Aid in case of any emergency," added Cr DeCampo.
The requirement for a compliant barrier applies to in-ground pools and spas, above-ground pools and spas (including inflatable and portable pools and spas), indoor pools and spas (but not spa baths that are normally emptied after each use) and wading pools (containing water that is more than 300mm deep).
A building permit is required to construct a swimming pool or spa pool and its associated safety barrier. For further information, please visit www.manjimup.gov.au/building or contact the Shire of Manjimup Building Department on 9771 7777.
"Shire staff are acting in the best interests of our community and those who are most vulnerable; the simple solution is to comply - nobody wants another person's death on their conscience," said Cr DeCampo.
Click here to view the Rules for Pools and Spas handbook.
Click here to visit the Building Commission of WA website.
Click here to visit the Royal Life Saving WA website.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
