Local swimming pool safety concerns: know your rights

For years, Australians have trusted their local swimming pools. But behind the clear water and tiled walls, serious health risks can often go unnoticed, especially when safety systems fail.

The dangers of chemical exposure in aquatic centres are real. 

Even brief contact with improperly balanced pool chemicals can lead to respiratory issues, skin burns, and long-term health complications. And while we often associate these health risks with competitive swimmers or lifeguards who spend significant time in the water, they also affect everyday families who trust swimming pools to be safe.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a pool-related incident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the responsibilities of those who manage these facilities.

Safety concerns at Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre

Swimming pools can pose serious health risks if not properly maintained.

I know it. Lifeguards at our local pools know it. And more importantly, Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre’s management knows it.

So when nine Victorians were hospitalised and over 40 others impacted by the chemicals at the Broady leisure centre, it wasn’t just an unfortunate accident, it was a serious breach of public trust.

Emergency services were called to the centre after reports of a strong gas smell inside the facility. Upon arrival, they discovered hazardous levels of sodium hydrogen sulphate, a chemical commonly used to regulate pool pH levels. Two hundred people were forced to evacuate from the leisure centre, as emergency crews worked to ventilate the facility. 

This incident raises serious concerns about the safety standards in places at swimming centres across Victoria. When chemical handling is careless or safety systems break down, the consequences can be an immediate threat to our health, especially for vulnerable children. 

Exposure to substances like chlorine or sodium hydrogen sulphate can cause lasting physical problems, including chlorine gas exposure symptoms, chemical respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even chemical burns.

What are the legal implications for aquatic centre breach of duty

In accordance with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 aquatic centres have a duty to ensure the health and safety of all patrons. There are laws in each State that specify safety requirements. 

Failing to maintain safe water quality, respond to hazards, or ensure that all equipment is functioning properly can constitute a breach of duty, one that may result in serious legal consequences for the centre, including public liability claims, regulatory penalties, and, in extreme cases, criminal charges.

Ultimately, the responsibility for maintaining safety at public swimming pools lies with the facility’s operators and management.

When families visit their local pool, they expect more than just visibly clear water and lifeguards on deck. They expect a facility that actively prioritises their wellbeing, with properly maintained equipment, trained staff, and rigorous safety protocols.

Am I eligible to make a public liability claim?

We understand that compensation can never undo the suffering caused by someone else’s negligence. However, it can provide important financial support towards medical treatment and help you move on with your life.

If you or a loved one was affected by chemical exposure, defective pool infrastructure, or negligent supervision at a public swimming pool, you may be entitled to compensation. 

To be successful in your pool injury claim, you’ll need to prove that the facility owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through negligence, and that this breach directly caused you to suffer a permanent injury.

We know that making a claim can seem overwhelming, but our team can guide you through the process to make it as easy as possible. Our public liability lawyers can help with any questions you may have. Contact us today to find out if you have a claim.