Residents now have more time to get their pool and spa safety barriers inspected and certified as compliant with their local council.
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The state government has extended the inspection window until June 2022.
Ararat Rural City Council staff will start conducting pool and spa inspections and certifying safety barriers to help residents identify and fix any non-compliance.
Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said council officers are here to support residents in completing their registrations.
"Owners will receive notice of the proposed inspection time and are asked to work with Council staff in attending the inspection and follow up on any actions needed," he said.
"Council's building practitioners are here to help inspect and confirm a build date with owners.
"Sadly, a large number of drownings among children still occur in backyard swimming pools and spas due to faulty barriers - it's one that can be prevented with the right measures in place.
"Working with Council to ensure the safety standards for private pools and spas is a small ask when it comes to preventing future drowning; these regulations will save young lives."
Owners with pools and spas built before April 1991 may have additional requirements to tick off due to amended Government Building Regulations to improve the safety of private swimming pools and spas.
To prepare for upcoming inspections, pool and spa owners are encouraged to check that:
- Self-closing and self-latching devices on pool and spa doors and gates work properly. Ensure gates are not propped open.
- There isn't anything that that can be climbed on, such as a tree branch, pool pump or pot plant, near the safety barrier or fence
- Fences (especially boundary timber paling fences) are in good repair and cannot be climbed.
There are significant penalties that apply for non-registered pools and spas.
To register pools or spas with Council residents can use the Pools and Spas tab via Council's Greenlight portal: https://ararat.greenlightopm.com/building .
For more information, contact Council staff member Tayla Borelli on 03 5355 0956.
