Building and Energy has released 16 ways that the WA state government has improve regulatory requirements for private swimming pools and their safety barriers.

The planned changes aim to provide better regulation of private swimming pool fences and include draft amendments to building regulations.

The planned changes include areas such as:

• boundary barrier requirements;
• the building permit process for pools and pool fences;
• inspections of safety barriers for new pools;
• the compliance process for non-compliant pool barriers;
• inspection charges;
• local government reporting obligations; and
• pool inspector training.

The full decision paper is available at the Building and Energy website here.

Building and Energy executive director Saj Abdoolakhan says some decisions would require amendments to WA’s Building Regulations, while others could be achieved through guidance and collaboration with key stakeholders: “Tragically, drownings are a leading cause of death for young children in WA, while near-drownings can cause devastating injuries.

“Most of these incidents occur in private swimming pools at people’s homes. While active adult supervision is the best way to keep children safe around water, safety barriers provide a vital second line of defence, which is why they are compulsory for private swimming pools, portable pools or spas containing 30cm or more of water.”

He adds that pool barriers are only effective if correctly used, maintained and compliant with particular technical requirements.

“The valuable and diverse input we received during our consultation has shaped the decisions we intend to implement, alongside key partners, to improve the effectiveness of swimming pool safety barriers and ultimately save lives,” Saj explains.

Building and Energy is now preparing guidance on the proposed changes and coordinating the drafting of amendments to the Building Regulations.

Training and updates will be provided to relevant stakeholders, including swimming pool owners and users, as work progresses.