Legislative Risk & Safety Context

Local governments have a responsibility under the Local Government Act 1993 to ensure all water safety functions, including the operation of public swimming pools are carried out safely and effectively to minimise risks of injury or death.

The NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) have developed Practice Note 15 - Water Safety to assist councils to minimise risks associated with swimming pools under their control and to keep people safe while enjoying the water. They strongly encourage councils to base their policies, programs and activities on the Water Safety Framework outlined in the diagram below.

Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) have developed several guidelines and information to assist pool managers with regards to aquatic supervision, incident management, emergency management, facility design and asset management. Federation Council is a member of RLSA. State-Wide Mutual have developed guidance material for signs as remote supervision to assist councils, including developing conditions of entry and rules for facilities, such as swimming pools.

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