USEFULL INFORMATION / CHECKLISTS

Safety barriers are not a substitute for adult supervision of children in and around water. Close and constant adult supervision at all times is key to ensuring water safety and preventing drownings for kids. Children can drown quickly and silently in as little as 20 seconds.

Checklists

For a self-assessment before the official inspection, use the VBA checklist relevant to your pool/spa's construction date. You can find the pool/spa construction date on the pool registration letter that you have received from your local council after registration of your pool/spa. A reminder letter from the council may also contain this information.

VBA Checklist 3 (for pools and spas installed from 1 May 2010)

VBA Checklist 2 (for pools and spas installed between 8 April 1991 and 30 April 2010)

VBA Checklist 1 (for pools and spas installed before 8 April 1991)

To learn more about your obligations regarding pool/spa safety barrier, please visit the following webpage:

VBA - Pool and spa safety barriers

VBA - Swimming pools and spas

Please visit your local council website for more information.

Maintenance and operation of barriers for swimming pools and spas

Owners must ensure they are maintaining their safety barriers in accordance with the Building Regulations 2018.

Based on Building Regulations 2018:

• Swimming pool and spa barrier maintenance: The owner of the land on which a swimming pool or spa is located must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a barrier restricting access to the swimming pool or spa is properly maintained.

• Swimming pool and spa barrier operation: An occupier of the land on which a swimming pool or spa is located must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a barrier restricting access to the swimming pool or spa is operating effectively.

• Swimming pool and spa barrier gate must remain closed:

(1) An occupier of the land on which a swimming pool or spa is located must take all reasonable steps to ensure that any gate or door forming part of a barrier restricting access to the swimming pool or spa remains closed except when a person is entering or leaving the part of the land on which the swimming pool or spa is located.

(2) A person who opens a gate or door forming part of a barrier restricting access to the swimming pool or spa must ensure that the gate or door is closed immediately after entering or leaving the part of the land on which the swimming pool or spa is located.

For more information on keeping children safe around pools and spas, including constant active supervision, water awareness, swimming lessons for children, and first aid/CPR please have a look at the following websites:

Kid Safe Victoria

Royal Life Saving Australia

Life Saving Victoria

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne

RaisingChildren.net.au

Kids Alive