Swimming season gets underway

POOL owners are being reminded to ensure their backyard pool safety is up to scratch ahead of the swimming season.
The warning comes as Wollongong City Council lifeguards prepare to raise the flags on beaches to mark the start of the swimming season.
The season officially commences on Saturday September 20.  
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in very young children in Australia, and in NSW 67 children under the age of five have drowned in backyard swimming pools the past 10 years.
In NSW, private or ‘backyard’ swimming pool safety is legislated by the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008.
The Act was introduced to improve pool safety for children.
Wollongong City Council Manager of Regulation and Enforcement Jeannie Nicol says there are also other things pool owners should do to make their area as safe as possible.
“It’s crucial the pool barriers are maintained, entry points are kept secure at all times and that there’s always appropriate adult supervision. Also teaching young children to swim and resuscitation (CPR) training are other potentially lifesaving actions.”
Ms Nicol reminded pool owners that pools must also be registered.
“Under the legislation, all private pools must be listed on the State Government Swimming Pool Register.”
Visit http://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au for more information.
For more details about pool safety, legislations and inspections visit Wollongong City Council’s website or call 02 4227 7111.