Hotels and other short-term accommodation providers (motels, backpacker hostels, caravan parks) in Queensland are considered to have regulated pools. This means they must comply with Queensland’s pool safety laws, including having up-to-date CPR and pool safety signage.
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Signage Requirements
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A CPR sign must be displayed prominently near the pool or attached to the pool safety barrier.
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Minimum dimensions: 300 mm x 300 mm.
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It must follow the current Australian Resuscitation Council Guideline 8 (not older versions like Guideline 7).
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Signage must be weather-resistant, easily visible, and legible from at least 3 metres away.
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Additional signs may be required, such as pool rules, fence gate warnings, or safety notices during pool construction.
If a sign is outdated, faded, damaged, or doesn't comply with current legislation, it is considered non-compliant—even if it was once valid.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
1. On-the-Spot Fines
Local councils and the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) can issue infringement notices for signage violations.
These fines are typically in the range of:
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Around $824.60 per signage infringement
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Equivalent to 2–5 penalty units depending on the offence
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2. Court-Imposed Penalties
More serious breaches or repeat offences may result in prosecution, with court-imposed penalties up to:
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$19,437 (based on 20 penalty units)
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3. Cancellation of Pool Safety Certificates
If a pool is found to be non-compliant (including missing or outdated signs), the safety certificate may be revoked. The pool may then be closed to guests until the issue is rectified.
4. Liability and Insurance Risks
Failing to maintain compliant signage can increase legal liability. In the event of a drowning or injury, missing or non-current signage may be used as evidence of negligence.
Insurance companies may also deny claims where signage compliance is in question.
Recommended Actions for Hotels
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Conduct a Signage Audit
Review all CPR and safety signage for currency, legibility, placement, and compliance with Guideline 8. -
Replace Non-Compliant Signs
Ensure signs meet minimum size and content requirements. Outdated or sun-damaged signs should be replaced immediately. -
Keep Records
Maintain documentation of signage installation, inspection schedules, and compliance checks. -
Set a Review Cycle
Inspect signs at least annually or after major weather events. Install UV-resistant signs to improve longevity.
Compliance Summary
| Violation | Likely Consequence |
|---|---|
| Outdated CPR sign | On-the-spot fine (~$824.60) |
| Faded or illegible signage | Infringement notice / compliance order |
| Repeat or serious breach | Court fine (up to $19,437) |
| No certificate or revoked status | Pool closure until compliant |
| Incident with signage failure | Insurance denial / legal action possible |
Final Thoughts
For Queensland hotels, keeping pool signage up to date isn't just a compliance issue, it’s a serious safety and legal matter. Fines can be costly, and in the case of an incident, the reputational and financial damage can be severe.
By maintaining current, guideline-compliant CPR and pool rule signage, hotels not only stay compliant, they help protect lives.
