At least 80 per cent of backyard pools in New South Wales fail to meet safety regulations designed to reduce the risk of drownings, new figures suggest.

According to Royal Life Saving NSW, figures from local councils reveal 80 per cent of the 350,000 swimming pools registered in the state would fail their first compliance inspection.

In the past 13 years, 83 children have drowned in backyard swimming pools in NSW.

Key points: 80 per cent of NSW pools fail to meet safety standards

80 per cent of NSW pools fail to meet safety standards 83 children drowned in pools over past 13 years

83 children drowned in pools over past 13 years 70 children suffered neurological damage in past decade

Royal Life Saving NSW has urged pool owners to do a full safety check on their pool or spa to reduce the toll of backyard drownings.

Operations Manager at Royal Life Saving NSW, Michael Ilinsky, said it was "deeply concerning" that so many pools were not up to scratch.

"In the last 10 years alone, at least 1,000 children have been admitted to hospital due to immersion in pools," he said.

"Seventy children suffered neurological damage as a result of immersion in a pool - that is horrific."

Mr Ilinsky said the statistics highlighted that pool owners had to do more to fix safety breeches that put children at risk.

"If a pool gate isn't closing properly, please get it fixed. If your fence needs some kind of repair, take action," he said.

Royal Life Saving said it was important adults provided constant supervision to children and that an occasional glance was not enough.

Older children should never be responsible for trying to look after younger children, Royal Life Saving warned.

Royal Life Saving is also urging people to learn CPR skills.

Drowning can occur in 'seconds'

Keys for pool safety: Supervise children at all times

Supervise children at all times Restrict access with a fence and self-closing gate

Restrict access with a fence and self-closing gate Make sure children have water awareness and swimming skills

Make sure children have water awareness and swimming skills Learn CPR

NSW Minister for Local Government Paul Toole joined calls for pool owners to take responsibility.

"Losing a life through accidental drowning can happen in a matter of seconds," he said.

"As the summer season arrives, homeowners and carers should be vigilant in maintaining safety and supervision near pools and swimming areas.

"We can avoid drowning deaths and injuries by ensuring child-resistant pool fences are well maintained and pool gates are self-closing or self-latching and regularly checked.

"Pool owners should also register their pool with their local council or online if they have not already done so."

Safety checklists are available from www.bepoolsafe.com.au.