Pool education campaign

A MANAWATU District Council education campaign is currently underway to ensure that the 400 plus privately owned swimming pools in the district are safe and comply with requirements under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. 

Regulatory Supervisor, Karel Boakes, said the programme aimed to make people more aware of their responsibilities under the act and to clear up any lack of understanding by owners and councils as to what was compliant in regard to pool fencing. 

The MDC database lists 416 private pools (including spa pools) in the district and Ms Boakes believes that number is likely to go even higher. 

“Council also feels that some of those pools have not been consented, so we don’t know if they are safe or compliant as far as the fencing goes. We do need to look at that.” 

A five-yearly inspection roster is also in place, with up to seven pools to be checked every month, though top priority would be given to those pools that have not been consented. 

Ms Boakes said there had been a design change in recent years on how pools were located within the garden environment. 

“Originally, they used to be totally fenced-off separately, but nowadays owners want them to be close to the house so there is an access flow between the home and pool. This has caused a lot of problems over entrances to the pool area.” 

Private pools were a wonderful asset for the home and family, said Ms Boakes, but could be a potential danger for young children, with Water Safety New Zealand statistics revealing that four children drown each year in such pools.  

She said it was imperative that owners notified council of the existence of a pool, obtained a building consent before constructing a pool or fence and ensured continuing safety and maintenance of the immediate pool area. 

An MDC pamphlet on the fencing of swimming pools is sent to all those people on the database, while other brochures and posters demonstrating pool responsibility are at the council’s administration building in Manchester Street, Feilding.   

Further information is available by calling (06) 323-0000 or by visiting the council website on www.mdc.govt.nz