 Swimming Pools
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Swimming and spa pools are part of our way of life in New Zealand. They provide wonderful opportunities for all the
family to gather together and have fun. Unfortunately, they also kill, largely through ignorance.
If you are unaware of
the dangers and unprepared to prevent them happening a sparkly pool can claim a child's life in minutes.
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Let's be very clear about the level of danger. This country's drowning toll is one of the highest in the developed world.
In fact, drowning is second only to road crashes as the major cause of preventable death for pre-school children. Pools and
spa pools represent the greatest single danger. Each year around five children under the age of six drown in these pools -
that's nearly 40% of all pre-school drownings. There have been more than 120 such deaths since 1980. Yet right now, over
25,000 home pools around the country remain unfenced.
Each and every one is an accident and possibly a death waiting to happen.
As many as 17 children a year used to drown in home pools. The effect of the Act has been to dramatically
reduce the annual toll to five. However, this is still five too many.
Adults Responsibility
It is your responsibility as an adult to ensure the children you are caring for are safe. Unfortunately the
majority of children who drown are alone and unsupervised, or in the care of other children at the time.
However, even the most vigilant parent or caregiver cannot supervise their children every minute of the day.
And that is all it takes to lose them forever. Just a minute. A very short phone call. The time to make a quick cup
of tea. A quick scan through the TV programmes in the newspaper.
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That's why you need to fence a pool. Because children simply do not understand the dangers.
The only safe environment is one where young children cannot get access to a pool without adult supervision.
Today, all pools are required under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 to be fenced to a standard
which will prevent young children from gaining access to the pool.
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For some reason, some people believe farms have far greater water hazards than pools, such as water races, troughs, dams
and sheep dips. Statistically, they're wrong. Rural pools are as much of a hazard to children as pools in urban areas.
Which is why all pools, regardless of their location, must be fenced in accordance with the Act.
It's not just a Tragedy - it's a Crime
Contrary to popular belief, over 85% of children who drown in pools either lived in the home or were invited there as
guests. Too often, the word tragedy has been associated with child drownings. If you own a pool, the responsibility for
preventing a tragedy rests with you. If you sit on the fence over this issue, you commit a crime.
A crime that could mean a child - your own or someone else's - dies in your home.
Landscaping
You cannot landscape your way around your responsibilities. The value of a beautiful house and garden cannot be placed
above the value of a child's life. That is not to say the two are mutually incompatible. On the contrary, thoughtful
design and planning can result in the fence and pool being incorporated in a safe and stunning environment.
Do Something about Drowning
It's true that since the Act was passed, children have drowned in both fenced and unfenced home pools. But if all
these pools, had been fenced in a manner that met the requirements of the Act, many more of these children would be
alive today. That means never wedging the gate open - just for a minute, or leaving the ranch sliders unlocked, and
always maintaining the fence.
If you own a pool it is your obligation to inform your local Council.
If your pool is not fenced at this point, you are not just breaking the law, you also risk breaking your
heart. Please make the changes now... before it really is too late. If you need specific details on the
requirements of the Act, ask for these from your local council. If you are unsure of the technical details,
contact your local building inspector for assistance.
Cut the risks
Fencing is a critically important part of having a safe home environment for children. You can cut the risks even further by:
- Maintaining the fence and gate in good condition.
- Covering the area around the pool with a non slip surface.
- Always supervising children in or near a pool, even if they are wearing flotation aids.
- Clearing away toys and flotation aids when they are not being used.
- Always make sure the gate to the pool is safely shut.
- Making sure children and adults alike understand that they must NEVER prop open the Gate.
- Setting rules of behaviour around the pool.
- Making sure there are no objects near the pool fence which a child could use to climb or stand on.
- Learning first aid and resuscitation.
Water Safety Training
A few basic guidelines from the New Zealand Water Safety Council:
- Supervision by adults is vital.
- Learn CPR so that if an accident happens you may be able to save a life.
- Teach children how to swim as soon as possible and teach them safe water habits.
- In home pool areas the pool fence is the first line of defence. Don't leave gates and doors propped open.
- Doors and gates must be fitted with self closing and self latching devices.
- In your pool area don't leave anything floating in water e.g.: toys or ornaments which will attract young children.
- Keep alcohol to a minimum if you are on supervision duty. Toddlers move fast - keep your eyes on them.
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Council Information
Visitors & Tourists
