New pool regulations being introduced require backyard pools and spas owners must pay $79.00 for pools, built before December 1st, 2019. After this date, the fee is 31.80 registration fees to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.

The shire says it knows of about 17,000 combined pools and spas on the peninsula – the most of any municipality in Victoria. The council has mentioned that it will be using drones to enforce the new regulations.

Under the state-wide rules, owners must shell out $20 for compliance certificates from qualified surveyors. They must arrange three-yearly inspections of pool fences and safety barriers.

Fines of up to $330.44 to $1652.20 will be levied if pools are found to not comply. Owners will have 20 days to fix safety issues.

The tougher rules come after a recent survey by the Victorian Municipal Building Surveyors’ Group found that up to 90 percent of pools breached safety rules.

The state coroner recommended a harder line on pool safety regulations, after investigating several drowning cases.

Drowning is the biggest cause of death among young people. With 27 children drowning in private pools and spas over the past 20 years. Many more carry lifelong learning and behavioral impairments.