Reminder to register pools, spas

Property owners who haven’t registered their pool or spa with Baw Baw Shire could be fined more than $330.

More than 1150 swimming pools and spas have been registered in the shire since the introduction of state government regulations in December 2019.

The regulations require property owners to register private pools and spas that are capable of holding water to a depth greater than 30cm.

Registrations were required to be lodged with council by November 1 last year. Property owners who haven’t completed the registration will receive a letter from council reminding them to register to avoid a $330.44 infringement.

Owners are also required to have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify that their pool or spa safety barrier is compliant every four years.

Pool and spa owners are encouraged to visit the council website for more information, including the safety barrier inspection process, certificate requirements, guidelines and the registration form.

The one-off registration fee for pools or spas constructed before November 1, 2020 is $79, which is payable at the time of registration.

New pools and spas constructed after November 1, 2020 also need to be registered at time of completion.

Mayor Danny Goss said it was not too late to register a pool or spa.

“These regulations are in place to keep young children safe from drowning and need to be taken seriously.

“Since 2000, 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas.

“In at least 20 of those cases, the coroner found that non-compliance of the safety barrier was a contributing factor. We have to do all that we can to avoid this happening,” Cr Goss said.

Gary and Gab Heathcote - Warragul

“Yes we will be celebrating and going to have a family reunion, meeting with family from Canberra in Ulladulla. The day is a unification of people and getting to think about how fortunate we are to live here, in spite of the border lockdowns.”