Now is the time to check your pool fences

With winter approaching, the Queensland Government has urged pool owners to take advantage of the swimming off-season to check their pool fencing is safe and secure.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said that while all pool owners should check fences and gate latches regularly, it was especially important to do so this year in the wake of recent severe weather events.

“Communities who’ve been affected by Cyclone Debbie and subsequent flooding events have had a lot to do to clean up, and I know that those recovery efforts are still ongoing and will be for some time,” Mr de Brenni said.

“It’s understandable that pool fences may not be at the top of property owners’ to do lists, but if barriers have been damaged by Cyclone Debbie or subsequent flood events, they pose an enormous safety risk to children.

“Compliant swimming pool barriers are a proven method of preventing young children from drowning, but they lose their effectiveness if they are misused or faults occur over time.”

Mr de Brenni said property owners can use the pool compliance checklist at qbcc.qld.gov.au to make sure that their pool barrier complies with the law.

“The checklist is an easy-to-use online tool that you can use on a smart device as you inspect your pool fence.

“The cooler months are always an ideal time to check and maintain pool fencing, but this year I would urge every pool owner to make a point of checking their pool fencing is safe, secure and up to standard.”

Mr de Brenni said that owners of hostels, guest houses, and other residential or accommodation facilities with a swimming pool on the premises also needed to make sure there was either a current pool safety certificate or an approved pool safety management plan in place.

“Pool safety management plans must be approved by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) then supplied to the QBCC on an annual basis,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Whether you have a pool in your backyard or you own another type of residential or accommodation premises where there is a swimming pool, it is important that you take the time to check your pool fence still measures up.”

For more information call the QBCC (24/7) on 139 333 or visit qbcc.qld.gov.au

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