Tuesday 11 January 2011

Port's positive response to pool safety

: Swimming Pool Safety Inspector Colin Cameron urges pool owners to get their pool area checked.

Port Douglas residents and resorts have embraced the new pool safety legislation which was introduced on 1 December 2010, according to Swimming Pool Safety Inspector, Colin Cameron.

The legislation is designed to reduce the number of infant drownings by ensuring that pool fences and gates are adequate and kept clear of items such as plant pots on which children can climb to gain access to the pool.

"All pools need to become compliant in regards to the new legislation. Not a lot has changed but there are a few little items that have," Mr Cameron said.

"It's basically about the pure safety aimed at infants in Queensland around the zero to five age group. My job is to assess pools and make sure they're compliant for the safety of children.

"We're here to help, not to hinder. It's not about going in to a place and saying 'bad luck mate you've got to get a new fence', it might be putting a piece of perspex here or moving a plant pot."

Properties with pools must become compliant within five years of the introduction of the legislation, however properties to be leased, rented, holiday let, or sold must have a pool safety certificate prior to doing so.

"I must admit I'm pretty proud of the people of Port Douglas. A lot of the resorts are doing it and many of them have already completed it," Mr Cameron said.

Private homes with pools must also become compliant with the new legislation, which people may not be aware also applies to many portable pools.

"If you go and buy a blow up pool that is deeper than 300mm and holds more than 2,000 litres, you have to put a pool fence around it," Mr Cameron said.

Mr Cameron recalled an instance whereby a family with children aged two and six used an Esky as a step in order to access a blow up pool and highlighted that parents needed to be diligent and aware that fatal accidents can occur in an instant of distraction.

Once an inspection takes place, any recommendations made by a Swimming Pool Safety Inspector must be completed within three months. A certificate of compliance will then be issued within two days of a follow up inspection.

Check out the pool inspection price list here

The new legislation may have a huge impact on large scale swimming areas such as the Cairns lagoon pool and the large resort pool at Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas where fencing is non-existent.

In his role as Swimming Pool Safety Inspector, Mr Cameron reports to the Pool Safety Council. Inspections can be booked by calling Colin Cameron on 0412 583 525.

Have your say!

We love receiving your comments and publishing them for all to see. To ensure the forum remains constructive please respect other peoples comments. Any comment submitted will only be published if name and valid email address are supplied for publication. The Editor reserves the right to edit comments. Click here for full publishers terms and conditions for reader comments.

Josh Marsden, 17-03-11 11:56:

Deidre, you are right, the best solution is to watch your own children, supervision is second to none. When it comes to enforcing the new pool laws it is fair to say that if you don't have children or have friends with children that will ever go near your pool that you shouldn't need a pool fence. The problem here is that when a law like this is introduced in an attempt to save lives, there is no way to differentiate from the people who should be exempt and the ones with children. Everyone would be claiming that they don't have children and the law would be unenforceable.

www.besafepoolfenceinspections.com.au or our Cairns Sit: www.cairnspoolinspections.com.au
If you would like pre-inspection advice please feel free to call and discuss your situation.

Darryl Posgate, 13-01-11 10:59:

Hi Allison,
We have a pre-inspection checklist on our website www.mypoolinspection.com.au that maybe of some assistance. Please give us a call, we are more more than happy to offer advice, prior to any inspections being carried out.

Serra Assunta, 13-01-11 09:50:

The compliancy regulations can be found on the government website.
:)

Mat Churchill, 13-01-11 09:34:

Hi Alison

Having spoken with Col he seems open to a chat so you can get a good idea of what's required. Just give him a call and I'm sure he'll point you in the right direction.

Alison Gotts, 13-01-11 09:25:

An interesting article but where is a list of the regulations that have to be applied. Surely we can try to get it right before we pay for an inspection?

David Murphy, 12-01-11 19:00:

Where's Willow in the photo Col? Not just an old codger, a youngster is needed!!!

Deidre Urwin, 12-01-11 18:27:

I for one am all for keeping our children safe around pools. Am sure that most people are unaware however that all infant deaths have been with pool fences already installed. I have lived in my home here now for 3 years and have never had a child on my property nor likely to and wonder why I am told i HAVE TO have fencing around my pool to keep children safe. This is beuracracy gone mad again, children should be cared for by their parents at all times including around pools and when they climb tree's etc.....this is another rediculous idea. If people have children and want to safe guard their kids by placing pool fencing around then great, but to mandate this is rediculous.