"Keeping a pool safe for everyone requires that it is fenced according to the regulations, with a gate that is maintained and used properly," he says. "There is no point in having a complying fence if you have the gate held open. Swimming pool drownings that occur as a result of this type of neglect are crimes, not tragedies." Almost half of all pre-school children who drown do so in home swimming and spa pools. And, contrary to what many people think, more than 85 per cent of children who drown in home pools either lived in the home or were guests.

"Now is the time to review how you use your swimming pool gate, look again at your fencing and remove anything from around your swimming pool fence that may have made it unsafe over winter," Mr Heney says.

Firewood, garden pots and even additional soil can raise levels around the pool perimeter, allowing a child to climb into the pool area. Watch for overhanging branches that can be used as climbing frames by young children.

For owners of new swimming pools or those who do not know the fencing regulations, help is available. Call the Council's environmental monitoring team on 941 8406 or visit the environmental safety section of the CCC website, at www.ccc.govt.nz/environment/