Unfenced spa pools present a danger
While fencing around swimming pools is largely accepted by the public as a necessary safety measure, the increasing popularity of spa pools may soon negate such progress, says the City Council.
Unfenced spa pools are the new death traps of many back yards, says Environmental Monitoring Team Leader Willis Heney. Too few owners know the law says they must fence spa pools just like swimming pools.
"Many think their fold-back or lockable spa pool covers are enough to save a child's life," Mr Heney says. "They're not. These lids are only designed to keep the pool hot. It's fencing that keeps children out. Anything with more than 400mm of water in it is a potential death trap."
According to recent Water Safety NZ figures, nine under-fives drowned in New Zealand last year — more than double 2004.
"These laws are there to protect our children, not punish pool owners," Mr Heney says.
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