Toddler drownings rise almost one third, as local council refuse to conduct random inspections

DESPITE toddler drowning deaths increasing by almost a third, councils are refusing to use their powers to conduct random inspections of backyard pools, amid growing calls for urgent action.

DESPITE toddler drowning deaths increasing by almost a third, councils are refusing to use their powers to conduct random inspections of backyard pools, amid growing calls for urgent action.

A Daily Telegraph investigation has uncovered a pattern of confusion amid widespread noncompliance with 99 per cent of pools failing a first inspection in the City of Parramatta.

But a spokesman claimed the council did not perform random checks because it did “not have the authority to do so”. Sutherland Shire and the Northern Beaches also don’t carry out random checks despite reporting shocking rates of compliance.

EDITORIAL: CHECKING POOLS A LIFESAVING ACT

Friends Sarah, Eve and Caragh enjoy a swim in their pool at home in Drummoyne. Picture: Toby Zerna

However, the Office of Local Government said councils were able to perform random checks if “they are included in an inspection program in consultation with their community”.

The issue has become more urgent in the wake of Royal Life Saving Society of Australia figures showing that drowning deaths in Australian children under five increased by 32 per cent, to 29 deaths last year, almost half in swimming pools.

NSW Kidsafe executive officer Christine Erskine, said noncompliance rates were “deeply concerning” and random checks would help make owners vigilant.

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“If you don’t actually check pool gates are still self-closing and self-locking, there’s an opportunity for children to access those pools — and children are opportunistic,” she said.

However only a handful of councils carry out random inspections.

Blacktown mayor Stephen Bali said his council sought unregistered and non-compliant pools using aerial photographs.

Meanwhile, Shadow Minister for Local Government Peter Primrose said the state government should fund random inspections.

However a spokesman for Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton said it was up to pool owners to ensure their own compliance.

One minister said the state government should fund random inspections. Picture: Supplied

“That’s why the government does not believe it’s fair that taxpayers — many of whom don’t own a pool — should foot the bill for their local council to inspect somebody else’s pool,” he said.

The spokesman said councils could charge owners for $150 for first inspections, then $100 for a second.

Tim, an inner-west father-of-three who did not want his surname used, said random checks “made sense” and could save lives, but parents should always be watching.