Under state government legislation aimed at ensuring pool safety across NSW, all pools must be on the NSW Swimming Pool Register and all councils must develop a Swimming Pool Inspection Program in consultation with the community. 

The inspections will look at safety requirements such as fencing in a bid to keep everyone safe from risks associated with pools and water and reduce the incidence of drownings.

Director infrastructure and planning Mark Ihlein said council was proposing to inspect all pools in Singleton over the next three years, with a random inspection of 25 per cent of pools each year afterwards. 

Inspections will incur a $150 fee in the first instance, and $100 if a follow-up inspection is required. 

An information session for pool owners will take place at the Singleton Civic Centre on Tuesday, December 5, from 6pm. 

“Backyard pools are a great way for people to cool off and enjoy spending time together, but there is an element of risk that can very quickly lead to tragedy,” Mr Ihlein said. 

“The NSW Government has introduced a range of measures aimed at reducing the number of drownings across the state and one of them is a Swimming Pool Inspection Program for all councils to make sure pool owners comply with fencing and other safety requirements. 

“Council has proposed a program that would start with all pools in Singleton to be inspected in the next three years followed by random inspections thereafter, but we are keen to hear from pool owners about what they think.

“The proposed Swimming Pool Inspection Program is available on council’s website and pool owners will also soon receive a letter about the program. 

“Pool owners are also invited to come along to the information session at the Singleton Civic Centre.”

Property owners can add their details to the NSW Swimming Pool Register directly, or council can assist for a fee. The register can be found at www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au