"This summer, we are still working on educating and advising people about their obligations but the time has come to get tough," he said. "The message has been out there long enough for people to realise that it is not acceptable to use inadequate pool fences and gates."

Swimming pool fences that do not meet Council regulations can attract fines of up to $500. If a child drowns as a result of non compliance, swimming pool owners can face fines of up to $200,000 and possible imprisonment.

To support its tougher stance, the Council is this month producing a poster with the message that a child drowning in an unfenced swimming pool is not just a tragedy but also a crime.

Mr Heney said his team had recently been alarmed by the number of Christchurch residents tying back their swimming pool gates and turning their backyards into potential death traps for young children. Almost half of pre-school drownings occur in home swimming and spa pools.

For more information about pool fencing regulations call 941 8406 or visit www.ccc.govt.nz/hazards/whyfencepools.asp