The registration and certification of pools, which is required by law in NSW, has been introduced to reduce drownings in backyard pools and spas.

On average, six children drown in a backyard swimming pool in NSW every year.

In 90 per cent of these cases the pool did not have a properly functioning safety barrier.

You can register your pool or spa via the NSW Government Swimming Pool Register:

www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au

The register also has a self-assessment checklist which residents can use:

www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/checklists

Importantly for summer, the safety regulations also apply to inflatable pools.

Inflatable pools with a water depth of 300mm or more need to have a safety barrier.