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.