Council reminds residents to be vigilant about water safety

Monday, 15 February 2021

Penrith City Council is urging residents to be safe around bodies of water following a spate of drownings.

Alarming figures compiled by Royal Life Saving Australia reveal there have already been 73 drowning deaths across the country this summer – 24 of those in NSW. 

Alarming figures compiled by Royal Life Saving Australia reveal there have already been 73 drowning deaths across the country this summer – 24 of those in NSW. 

This does not include the injuries or many near drownings in recent weeks, which has seen struggling swimmers pulled from pools, beaches and other waterways.   

That is why Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM is reminding the community to be vigilant, especially those who have young children. 

“We live in a beautiful part of the world, with the Nepean River, Hawkesbury River, Bents Basin as well as Ripples Leisure Centre pools on our doorstep - and many people in our City are fortunate to have a backyard pool, which are all great options for cooling off on hot days,” Cr McKeown said. 

“Unfortunately, a bit of complacency when it comes to safety near water can be dangerous and even life-threatening, so we must always consider the fundamentals of water safety. “Remember the simple things – do not swim alone, look out for signage at public pools and rivers, be cautious at unfamiliar swimming spots, never dive in head first, wear life jackets when boating, ensure pool gates and fences are locked, and most importantly supervise children at all times. 

“It’s better to be safe than sorry. That way, everyone can enjoy a refreshing dip with friends or family without disaster striking.” 

Council is also reiterating its pool safety messaging, with fixed and inflatable swimming pools being the leading cause of drownings among children under the age of five.  

Ripples’ Penrith and St Marys centres offer regular, skill based Learn to Swim classes for babies 4 months old through to adults, to help people of all ages grow their confidence in the water. 

Residents must obtain development consent for pools and spas holding 2,000L or more of water, and any pool holding a depth of 30cm of water must be surrounded by a compliant fence.  

Council offers home inspections to ensure pools, spas and fences are compliant and can issue a Certificate of Compliance which is valid for three years. 

Council has a zero-tolerance compliance campaign and will issue $550 fines on the spot if a pool gate is found open or there is an unfenced portable or inflatable pool.  

Visit ripplesnsw.com.au/learn-to-swim and penrith.city/pools to find out more.

Photo opportunity

Penrith City Council, in collaboration with Ripples, has added pool safety messages to four of its waste collection trucks. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown will inspect two of the trucks at Tench Reserve tomorrow morning.

Location: Tench Reserve Boat Ramp at Nepean River

Date/Time: Tuesday 16 February, 9am.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 15 February 2021.