Don’t forget to lock the gate this school holidays
TWEED Residents are reminded to be vigilant around swimming pools this holiday break to prevent children from drowning accidents.
Residents should ensure their backyard pool fences are in working order and all inflatable swimming pools are securely fenced.
Inflatable and makeshift pools bought from department stores are potentially illegally set up in back yards if they are not fenced.
Australian pool safety laws stipulate that any body of water must be child-resistant.
Pool fences must be at least 1.5metres high, all doors must have latching devices, and there must be no 'foot-holds' which could enable a child to reach the latching or locking devices.
On the Tweed all pool owners must electronically register and self certify their pools with the NSW register at swimmingpoolregister.nse.gov.au, so that in April 2014 council compliance inspections can begin to take place.
Owners who fail to register their pool by the deadline could be fined up to $2200.
