Keep your family safe around pools this summer

(Taylor Simpson/Unsplash)

Victorians are being reminded to make sure their swimming pool or spa is safely fenced off with a compliant barrier to avoid the tragedy of an accidental drowning as the warmer weather approaches.

Under the Building Regulations 2018, all pools and spas capable of holding more than 300 millimetres of water must have compliant barriers to restrict unsupervised access by young children.

Over the last two decades 20 children have drowned in cases due to a non-compliant safety barrier.

Pools and spas must be checked and certified by a registered inspector or surveyor every four years and must include self-latching and self-closing pool gates and not be directly accessible via a building.

Check with your council about any relevant local laws or any exemptions that may apply.

All pools and spas must be registered with the local council.

Visit the VBA website for more information on swimming pools and spas, including checklists for owners.