Please note: this is an old article
It was published in December 2018, so the information may be out-of-date.
Aquamoves lifeguard manager Shelley Heggart is reminding parents to be vigilant this summer when children are swimming.
‘‘The key to water safety is parental supervision,’’ she said.
Passionate about water safety and education, Ms Heggart said it was important to teach children to swim.
Messages of water safety are being shared after recent soaring temperatures, and Moira service area Senior Sergeant Darren McGrillen said the region had many waterways as well as private pools and spas.
‘‘As the weather heats up, it is a timely reminder for all to be safe when in and around water,’’ he said.
He reminded residents of Victorian pool fencing laws.
‘‘Remember that safety barriers such as pool fencing are no substitute for active adult supervision of children around water,’’ Sen Sgt McGrillen said.
‘‘If a Victorian residential pool or spa has a depth of 30cm or more, it is required to be surrounded by a safety barrier. This includes inflatable pools.
‘‘All pools and spas built after 2010 require a four-sided barrier (isolation fence), with no direct access from the house or any other building to the pool or spa.
‘‘Safety barriers must be a minimum of 1.2m high. Barrier gates must be self-closing and self-latching and it is illegal to leave a pool or spa gate propped open.
‘‘Climbable objects such as pot plants, eskies, pool pumps and chairs must be moved away from the barrier.’’
He also reminded residents a building permit was required before installing a new pool, spa or barrier.
‘‘This permit needs to be issued by a registered building surveyor,’’ Sen Sgt McGrillen said.
‘‘Building work must start within 12 months of the date that the building permit was issued.
‘‘During construction, if a new pool is filled with more than 30cm of water it must have a temporary safety barrier put around it.’’
Ms Heggart said there were a number of ways people could get their children into swimming lessons at Aquamoves.
‘‘We run a school swim program as well as Learn To Swim and our summer programs,’’ she said.
Article courtesy of the Shepparton News on Wednesday 12 December 2018. Written by Tara Whitsed.
