Shire of Waroona ranks in top ten per cent of overdue pool barrier inspections, with 25 per cent unchecked

Waroona has struggled to keep its head above water during routine pool safety inspections a government report has shown, ranking in the top ten per cent of overdue pool barrier inspections. The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety 2020-21 Progress Report showed a decline in inspections, with only 57 per cent of local governments having completed the four-yearly inspections. According to the report, the shire has a total of 186 registered pools — 47 of which are overdue for inspections which ensure barriers surrounding private pools, spas and portable pools deeper than 30cm are safe and restrict the access of young children. Royal Life Saving Australia reported that an average of 15 children under the age of five drown in private swimming pools in Australia, with a “much higher” number of non-fatal drownings leaving long-term impacts on children as well as their families. Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan said he acknowledged the challenges that local government pool barrier inspectors had faced over the past two years. “There is still room for improvement, particularly for local governments with a significant number of overdue inspections and for those that have not provided data,” he said. “While there’s no substitute for close, active, adult supervision of young children around water, compliant safety barriers undoubtedly help prevent tragedies.” The South West Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup also had a 25 per cent overdue inspection rate, with a total of 1.6% of WA pools overdue for inspections.