Backyard Parties & Pools: How to Keep Guests Safe Without Stress
ACT Pool Safety for Social Events: A Homeowner’s Guide
Updated July 2025 | Written by Tom
Hosting guests at your pool? With the ACT’s 2024 swimming pool safety reforms now active, having a compliant barrier is only the starting point. When people arrive — especially for social gatherings — risk goes up, and so does your responsibility.
This guide will help ACT homeowners host safely and stay compliant, before, during, and after any event.
Why Pool Parties Carry More Risk
Most residential pool incidents in the ACT happen during social events — not weekday swims. Distractions rise. Supervision drops. Gates get left open. Inflatable toys drift near edges. The new laws don’t just assess your fence — they assess how it’s used.
Before Guests Arrive: Layout & Safety Prep
Taking 10 minutes to prepare your space reduces risk and protects your guests.
Test self-closing gates from both sides
Remove climbable furniture near the barrier
Lay down non-slip mats where water may pool
Remind household of exits and who to call in an emergency
📍 View the official ACT government guidance
During the Party: Layered Supervision
Crowds and movement make it harder to keep eyes on the pool. Here’s how to add passive and active protection:
Designate a supervising adult in 30-minute shifts
Keep drink stations away from the fence line or gate
Remove toys when not in use — they attract unattended children
Never leave the gate propped open for convenience
Under the ACT’s 2024 reforms, temporary layout changes that make the area unsafe are considered non-compliant — even if the fence was certified last month.
After the Event: Post-Party Risk Sweep
Before heading to bed:
Walk the full perimeter
Confirm gates latch and self-close
Remove any leftover inflatables or toys
Push chairs, bins, or tables back to their original position
Document anything broken or out of spec
This 3-minute check can prevent a tragedy the next morning.
What the 2024 ACT Pool Safety Reforms Mean
Starting May 2024, all pools over 300mm deep must meet updated safety standards by 2028. These apply to new and existing pools — and include:
Self-closing, self-latching gates
Visible, fixed CPR signage
Clear, climb-free zones around barriers
Accountability for layout changes during parties or gatherings
Learn more on Canberra Pool Inspections
Need a Professional Check?
Ensure your barrier is ready before your next event. We offer fast, compliant inspections across the ACT.
More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I need a pool inspection?
All pools in the ACT must have a valid compliance certificate by May 2028. You don’t need to book inspections unless :
Your pool has never been certified
You’ve modified or replaced any part of the barrier
If your certification has expired or you're unsure of its current status
Q: Can a guest leave the gate open during a party?
No. Gates must self-close and latch at all times. Leaving it open, even temporarily, is considered non-compliant under ACT law.
Q: Is my pool exempt if it’s inflatable?
Only if it holds less than 300mm of water. Otherwise, even temporary pools must meet barrier requirements.
