11/12/2025
Georges River Council would like to remind residents to make sure their pool is safe and compliant as part of its Get Summer Ready Campaign.
Royal Life Saving Australia reports that from 2015 to 2025, 183 children aged 0-4 drowned in Australia. Of these, two-thirds, or 65 percent, were in swimming pools. Most incidents happened in a backyard pool. Kids often got to the pool unsupervised through a gate that was either propped open or not closed properly.
Drowning risk for young children peaks in the warmer months. It’s important for a responsible adult to actively supervise children whenever they are near water, including at social events.
The Georges River local government area has thousands of swimming pools. To help prevent swimming pool tragedies, the Council recommends these steps:
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Building compliant fences or barriers around swimming pools.
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Constantly supervising children in and around swimming pools.
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Displaying cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction sign close to the pool.
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Regularly inspect, maintain and repair pool fences and gates.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, “Summer is a time for fun, but safety must come first. A few simple steps can save lives. Please check your pool fences and gates, and never leave children unsupervised near water."
"Every pool owner has a responsibility to keep their pool safe. Make sure your pool is registered and inspected. Together, we can reduce the risk of drowning and keep our community safe."
In NSW, pool owners are required to ensure that a fence or other approved child‑resistant barrier is installed around their swimming pool or spa pool. Should Council become aware of a pool that does not have a compliant child‑resistant barrier, or where such a barrier is absent, Council is obligated to initiate the appropriate enforcement action to secure compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.
Owners of properties with a swimming pool or spa must register it on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. This is required by the Swimming Pools Act 1992. Council also encourages residents to get their pool inspected by either Council or a registered swimming pool inspector.
To learn more about pool compliance, visit Council’s Swimming Pool Compliance and Safety Webpage.