Register pools or face fines
Thursday 27 October 2011
Register pools or face fines
![Pool safety Pool safety](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/9/csm_register_ec00c99694.jpg)
Homeowners have just over two weeks to register their pool to avoid a fine of up to $2000.
Minister for Local Government Paul Lucas said the crackdown on pool registration is the latest in a long line of State Government reforms aimed at preventing drowning tragedies.
"The loss of any child is unimaginable, but the loss of a young child through circumstances that are entirely preventable is heartbreaking," Mr Lucas said.
"That is why the State Government is committed to protecting our most vulnerable Queenslanders by ensuring all pools are registered and meet safety standards.
Pool owners who fail to register their pool by November 4 face on-the-spot fines of $200 or a maximum court penalty of $2000.
"Some people in the community have questioned why the government has taken a tough stance in relation to pool registrations and fencing," Mr Lucas said.
"But the simple fact is that pool drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for Queensland toddlers aged one to four and the leading cause of accidental death nationally for children under five years of age."
Between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2010, 37 children aged four and under drowned in residential swimming pools, and every year there are about 50 incidences of non-fatal immersions, which often result in permanent brain damage.
Initially the deadline to register was May 4, but following the devastation of the January floods and Cyclone Yasi the State Government pushed the deadline to November 4.
Pool owners need to ensure their pool has been registered at the Pool Safety website or by calling 1800 340 634.
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