Tenants, landlords and bodies corporate: Be aware of pool dangers

Pools that have not met safety requirement are on the radar of bodies corporate and property investors, particularly has summer is upon us.

Over the past year alone, 40 children under 14 years old drowned, with 77% being under the age of four. Archers Body Corporate Management director, Andrew Staehr, said that bodies corporate need to check their pool regularly to ensure it meets legal requirements.

He noted that the following could be put in place for bodies corporate:
1.    Establish rules and enforce them, e.g. no glass in the fenced pool area. 
2.    If apartments are close to the pool be conscious of early morning or late night noise.
3.    Implement and enforce pool opening hours for all tenants and visitors.
4.    Advise tenants against parties in the pool area as this can bring on misbehaviour or excess noise.

In order to keep pools safe, Staehr suggested checking for simple access issues - such as the gate swinging shut automatically and the latch closing properly the first time.

“It’s also important to make sure that if a child jumps on the gate the latch does not come undone, and all fencing is properly in place," he said.

“Having an up-to-date safety certificate is essential for legal reasons, but also to ensure the area is as safe as possible.”

Trees and bushes should be regularly trimmed to prevent children climbing to get over the fence, and toys and objects should be secured out of the way.

“Pool rules and CPR signage should be clear around the pool so residents know the rules and stay safe,” he said.

Owners and residents are encouraged to keep up to date with CPR and first aid, with contacts for emergency situations.

jduke@propertyobserver.com.au