A warning and resuscitation sign is a small part of a pool assessment, but it has a direct safety purpose. The sign must be in the immediate vicinity of the pool, prominent and readable when it is needed.
Signage sits inside the wider assessment. I also assess the barrier design, non-climbable areas, gates, access points and the way the pool meets the house and boundaries.
Key facts
- The occupier must maintain the prescribed sign in a prominent position in the immediate vicinity of the pool.
- The sign must contain three prescribed warnings, a resuscitation flow chart, a statement that formal instruction is essential, and publisher and publication details.
- It must be legible from at least three metres and maintained in a clearly legible condition.
- A qualifying sign erected on or before 31 August 2019 may remain compliant unless the pool is substantially altered or rebuilt.
- Signage is one part of the full pool compliance assessment.
Do I need a CPR sign for my pool in NSW?
Yes. Section 17 of the Swimming Pools Act requires the occupier to maintain a prescribed warning notice in a prominent position in the immediate vicinity of the swimming pool. The requirement applies independently of the barrier requirements.
What does a compliant CPR sign have to show?
The Regulation prescribes three warnings: young children should be actively supervised when using the pool; pool gates must be kept closed; and articles, objects and structures must be kept clear of the pool fence.
The sign must also contain a simple resuscitation flow chart consistent with the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Guideline and other relevant Australian Resuscitation Council guidance, a statement that formal instruction in resuscitation is essential, and the publisher's name and publication date. This is more specific than simply having a sign headed "CPR".
Where does the sign have to go?
The Act says the sign must be in a prominent position in the immediate vicinity of the pool. The Regulation adds that it must be legible from at least three metres and kept clearly legible. In practice, it should be unobstructed and positioned where a person near the pool can readily see it.
Why do CPR signs fail inspection so often?
Fading, missing prescribed content, obstruction and unsuitable overseas signs are common problems. An older sign is not automatically invalid: a sign erected on or before 31 August 2019 under the former requirements is preserved unless the pool is substantially altered or rebuilt.
A missing or unsuitable sign is straightforward to replace. If identified during an assessment, I can confirm what the replacement must contain and whether it can be resolved during the visit.
Is a CPR sign the same as a warning sign?
NSW combines prescribed safety warnings and resuscitation information on the required sign. It is therefore more than a generic CPR poster. The three warning statements, resuscitation flow chart, formal-instruction statement and publication details all matter.
How do I make sure my signage stays compliant?
Check that the sign remains prominent, unobstructed and readable from at least three metres. Confirm that a newer sign contains every item prescribed by clause 10. Do not discard a pre-September 2019 sign solely because of its age: the transitional rule may preserve it unless the pool has been substantially altered or rebuilt.
Common questions
Do I legally need a warning and resuscitation sign for a backyard pool in NSW?
Yes. The occupier must maintain the prescribed sign in a prominent position in the immediate vicinity of the pool.
What must the sign show?
The three prescribed warnings, a compliant resuscitation flow chart, a statement that formal instruction is essential, and the publisher and publication date.
How readable must it be?
It must be legible from at least three metres and maintained in a clearly legible condition.
Can an older sign still comply?
A qualifying sign erected on or before 31 August 2019 can be preserved unless the pool is substantially altered or rebuilt.
Can a signage problem be fixed during the inspection?
Often, if a suitable replacement is available and can be installed appropriately. The sign must pass the prescribed content, position and legibility checks before certification.