57-63 POOL SAFETY:SPN Master pages 18/5/09 20:08 Page 5
spnfeature
Pool covers may soon be a legal requirement if the UK follows European law and sets new Health & Safety requirements
NEW LAWS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
TIGHTEN UP ON POOL SAFETY
Australia be less than 1.2 metres in height, and not anti-entrapment devices. The Act was
Swimming pools owners throughout less than one metre from the waters edge. adopted to help protect children from life-
Australia may face compulsory pool A gate or door attached to this enclosure threatening injuries and deaths from
training. Pool fencing exemptions may must contain a self-closing and self-locking potentially dangerous pool and spa drains.
also be removed under tough new laws device, together with an exit alarm. Many pool owners throughout the United
being considered by state governments. Every outdoor swimming pool must be States who have not complied to the laws
The first major review of the 17-year-old secured with a pool cover or be fitted with are now facing summer closures.
Swimming Pools Act – which brought in a floating pool alarm device at all times
mandatory fencing for all pools built after when the pool is not use. For indoor France
1990 – may also call on councils to inspect swimming pools, a floor glide system in the France still has the world’s highest rate of
all pools and log details on a register. swimming pool is required, or a floating infant death by drowning in swimming
Fines for having a non-complying pool alarm system device must be fitted. pools and is in the process of reviewing
may be raised from AUS$220 to AUS$550. all its already tough regulations. There
Ten children under the age of five United States have been suggestions through the
drowned in private pools in New South In the United States it is clear tragedy can winter that a tougher code of pool
Wales last year alone – the highest get the job done faster than anything else registration and compliance will be put in
number since 1992 when pool laws when it comes to pool safety. place this summer. All swimming pools
were introduced. Two high profile accidents involving 6- already have to comply to having a solid
year-old children changed the face of pools fence that is a minimum of 1.2 metres
South Africa safety laws. Abigail Taylor initially survived a high; it must not be possible to climb
New tough draft swimming pool by-laws suction-entrapment incident in a resort over or under this fence. It must also
are set to be introduced this summer wading pool in Minnesota then a month have a childproof lockable self-closing
which will force owners to register their later, Zachary Cohn drowned after his arm gate. Life rings must be easily accessible
pool and then have it officially checked got stuck in a pool drain at his home pool. and visible. The pool must be alarmed.
for safety. Since then almost all the safety legislation Life resuscitation (mouth to mouth) first
Owners will be required to enclose in the United States has been about the aid instructions must be clearly visible. A
their pools with a fence or a wall in Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety safety cover is a legal obligation. All
accordance with the country’s building Act. The Act took effect in December 2008 swimming pools will have to have the
regulations. The wall or fence must not and it now requires pool owners to install swimming area lit by 2010.
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JUNE 09 swimming pool news 63
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