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Pool fencing: make it safe
Over winter swimming pool fencing can
deteriorate and become unsafe. This
month, the Christchurch City Council is
asking all swimming pool owners to check
that their fencing is sufficient to prevent the
death of a young child. Plant containers
moved alongside fences, new decking, stacks
of firewood and even extra garden soil can
raise levels around the pool perimeter,
allowing a child to climb into the pool area.
And after a spurt of spring growth, trees
and shrubs can become climbing frames for
inquisitive youngsters. Fence maintenance
needs to be regularly
checked. Is the fence in
good condition and
repair? Is the gate in
good working order and
does it close freely? For new swimming
pool owners or those
who do not know the
fencing regulations,
please call the Council’s
environmental
monitoring team on 941
8406 or have a look at
this page on the Council
website —
www.ccc.govt.nz/hazards/poolfencing.asp It may take just a few minutes to make
your swimming pool fence safer and
possibly save a young life. Almost half the
drownings of pre-school children happen in
home swimming and spa pools. And
contrary to popular belief, more than 85
per cent of children who drown in home
pools either lived in the home or were
invited guests. The responsibility for
preventing a tragedy rests with the pool
owner. Pool owners have a legal obligation to
ensure that their swimming or spa pools
are fenced in accordance with the Fencing
of Swimming Pools Act and that the fencing
is maintained or the pool remains empty. Under the law, the immediate area
around swimming pools and spa pools
must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.2m
high. The fence must be built of durable
materials and able to
stop a child up to the
age of six from climbing
over or under it. The
door or gate giving
access to the pool area
must open away from
the pool and be self
closing. The self-latching
gate must never be
propped open – it is all
too easy to forget and
walk away. French doors
and windows opening
into the pool area must
also be fitted with
effective self-closers and
devices to limit how far
windows can be opened. Once your pool safety has been improved,
maintain it by being vigilant through the
summer. Keep the garden trimmed back
around the pool fence and don’t leave
anything lying around that a child could use
to climb over the fence, including potted
plants, boxes, wheelbarrows and hose reels.
Pool fences will only save lives if they are
maintained properly. |