“While there is no substitute for vigilant adult supervision of children, this change will ensure that new pool owners understand what they need to do to make their pools safe,” Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said. 

According to Royal Life Saving NSW, 95 per cent of all pools fail their first inspection, and 55 per cent of all five years and under drowning deaths in backyard pools are due to either a faulty gate or a gate being propped open.

Recently retired local swim instructor Joy Cutler said she believed the laws were a positive change, because owners need to be aware of the dangers of leaving pool gates open and maintaining the area up to the appropriate standards.

Joy said keeping pool fences maintained was important because “Children will investigate and if they find a way into the pool area it obviously increases the temptation”. 

She also recommended following Lawrie Lawrence’s ‘do the five’; fence the pool, shut the gate, teach children to swim, supervise and learn how to resuscitate.

Certificates can be issued by the council or through an independent certifier registered with the Buildings Professional Board. Pool barrier checklists, inspection information and pool registration are available at swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.

Joy encouraged locals to visit the website to explore what they need to do to keep their pools safe.

“I’ll be checking to see what I need to do to make my outdoor spa meet requirements, even though it is used as a fish pond!” she said.

“Make sure your spa or pool is up to scratch.  Be vigilant about safety and compliance,” Royal Life Saving NSW CEO David Macallister said.