Ipswich residents are being encouraged to enjoy summer safely, with national Check Your Pool Gate Month underway.
Finance and Governance Committee Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said pool accidents could be devastating.
“The risk of pool related accidents increases in the summer as families, particularly children, spend more time in and around pools and spas,” Cr Tully said.
“A child or toddler can drown silently within 20 seconds, in as little as 50mm of water, so I urge residents to regularly do their safety checks this summer.
“There are a number of inspections residents can do to make sure their pools are safe.
“Look for signs of deterioration on gates like rust and loose hinges, check that the pool gate is self-closing and self-latching, and ensure there are no climbable objects such as furniture, trees, branches, shrubs, plants, pool toys or any other obstructions around the fence that a child could use to climb over the fence or open the gate.
“All swimming pools and spas, regardless of whether they are portable or fixed, need permanent and compliant pool fencing.
“Swimming pools and spas also require a building approval issued by a Building Certifier and a final inspection certificate before being filled.
“You can only remove your pool fencing when you are lawfully decommissioning your swimming pool.
“Large fines can apply for not having compliant fencing or not following pool and spa safety laws.
“When it comes to pools, safety comes first because you risk losing a lot more than just money in fines – you may lose a loved one, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“It is set to be a hot summer. Enjoy the sunshine and water safely – I am looking forward to seeing families enjoy the public pools in Ipswich as well.”
Community pools are available at the following locations:
• Bundamba Swim Centre, Brisbane Road, Bundamba;
• Georgie Conway Leichhardt Community Swim Centre, Toongarra Road, Leichhardt;
• Goodna Aquatic Centre, Brisbane Terrace, Goodna;
• Rosewood Aquatic Centre, Mill Street, Rosewood.
Free waterparks are available at Orion Lagoon in Springfield Central, Bob Gamble Park at Riverheart Parklands in Ipswich and Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central.
Ipswich City Council hosts a series of free water safety programs designed to build water confidence and teach lifesaving skills through its SEAL Pool Safety Program.
For more information about the SEAL program and learn to swim classes, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/seal
More information about local pool regulations is available here.
