Read more about pool-fence safety standards. They must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latching device at least 150cm from the ground, and must not open towards the pool, but away from it. Gates must also adhere to strict guidelines. "Not all pool fences are suitable for protection around an inflatable pool" Get the gate right The fence must not have footholds for climbing, must be strong enough to stop a child forcing a gap in the bars or mesh, and must be made of materials and welds sturdy enough to withstand a heavy knock. This is to make sure there are no gaps wide enough for a toddler to squeeze through. The gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground must be no more than 10cm and there must be a 30cm space between the barrier and the pool area. Measurements you need to know aboutĪll pool fences, including those for paddling pools capable of holding 30cm of water, must be at least 120cm tall. But you still must meet all fencing laws for your jurisdiction while the inflatable pool is in place and filled with water. If your inflatable pool is a temporary fixture in your garden, you don't need to invest in and install a permanent fence structure made of steel, glass or aluminium. There are all sorts of pool fences on the market, but not all of them will be suitable for protection around an inflatable pool. If you don't abide by the rules and are caught by your local council with incorrectly installed pool fencing that doesn't comply with Australian standards – or even no fence at all – you may get a fine. Local council laws may also vary slightly from state and territory regulations, so contact your local council about fencing requirements in your jurisdiction before you install a portable backyard pool. Check out the specific requirements for your state or territory below: In Australia, if you have a portable or inflatable pool that can be filled to a depth of 30cm and is used by people, you need to install a pool fence. Other water sources such as irrigation channels and fishponds, where people don't swim, don't share the same regulations.īut pool-fencing regulations do vary according to where you live. A correctly installed and appropriately maintained pool fence is the next line of defence working to keep your child safe from drowning." Do inflatable pools need a pool fence? "Supervision is critical to prevent drowning but, unfortunately, supervision can and does fail. "We also know that for every drowning death in this age group, another eight children are admitted to hospital following a non-fatal drowning and tragically, some of these children will suffer lifelong health complications," she says. In almost all of these deaths, either the supervising adult was temporarily absent, or there had been no supervising adult in the first place. "Between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2021, 532 children aged nought to four years died from drowning in Australia and swimming pools are the leading location for drowning in this age group, accounting for more than half of all deaths (52%)." "As well as supervising children in the inflatable pool at all times, you'll also need to abide by strict pool fencing laws – or be slugged with hefty fines"Īccording to Mahony, an accidental fall into the water is the leading activity before drowning (77%). "Young children are the age group at highest risk of drowning," says Alison Mahony, national manager of research and policy at Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA). Key safety factorsĪs well as supervising children in the inflatable pool at all times, you'll also need to abide by strict pool fencing laws – or be slugged with hefty fines.īut these laws are strict for a very good reason. Inexpensive, portable and easy to assemble, inflatable pools are a seasonal fixture for many Aussies in summer, offering cool relief on hot days in the privacy of the backyard.īut before you rush out to buy one, there are some important safety factors to think about. We investigate the rules around inflatable pools so you're aware of your responsibilities – and can make sure your loved ones stay water-safe this summer. If you're thinking about buying an inflatable pool to lounge around in on hot summer days, there's more to it than just breaking out the air pump and positioning the hose. Republished 9 December 2022 - First Published 3 December 2021*ĭoes my inflatable pool really need a fence?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |