www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
PoolSafety JUN 2010 SPN
69
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING SO FAR IN 2010 AROUND THE WORLD
California
California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act only regulates pools built or remodelled after 2007, but all pool owners should consider following its guidelines, authorities say. The law requires at least one of seven safety features: an enclosure at least 5 feet high; mesh fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate; an approved safety cover; exit alarms on doors that lead to the pool; self-closing, self- latching devices on doors that lead to the pool; an alarm that sounds when someone enters the water or another verified safety measure that is equal to or better than the other options.
The Evolution product from the Walu range from Certikin is for all pool shapes up to 11m x 5m
up to €45,000 and inspectors are checking swimming pools in all regions for the correct installation of alarms, barriers and covers. Specialist pool companies in the UK are now finding a growing basic need for safety pool covers. It has become a fundamental part of the pool building and supply industry. Pool designer Robert Webber says the pool safety measures of fencing and pool alarms are secondary options in the UK. “If you go to look at swimming pools in France, Spain and the United States then you will see a lot of fencing around pools. In many countries it remains compulsory. In the UK we have had some experience of fencing in pools but it seems that a high quality pool safety cover which can be moved in and out of position in a matter of minutes satisfies most of the needs. My own view is that a law which makes a quality and automatic pool cover law would be a huge step forward. I can see it happening.”
He said the anti-entrapment laws in the United States could well have implications for safety in the UK.
“I don’t see how the authorities can ignore the very real concern about entrapment. It took two terrible and traumatic accidents in the United States – then the law suddenly became a priority. It would be folly in this country for us to wait for something to happen before any move was
made to step up safety of drain covers and making a legal move.” It’s true that when a power safety cover is properly in place over a pool, it provides a high level of safety for children by inhibiting their access to the water. The market for safety covers in
the UK has shown real growth over the past three years aided by the double benefits of safety and heat retention. Any legislation to make the use of a safety cover mandatory would make the UK’s main suppliers happy.
The Aquatrac automatic safety
WATER SAFETY TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMERCIAL POOLS
As recently highlighted at The National Drowning Prevention Alliance Symposium, there are still needless drownings occurring globally in public swimming pools. It’s clear then, in some situations the provision of lifeguards alone is not sufficient and in these cases, additional layers of safety have to be investigated.
A significant and relevant option is a drowning prevention or detection system. These technologies are proven and are in use everyday. Clearly, today’s technology will never replace a lifeguard or perform a rescue but it can work effectively alongside the lifeguard, extending their capability by providing the earliest indication that a swimmer or non- swimmer may be in difficulty. The deployment of safety technology will reduce risk, assist with claims management
and protect staff, but more importantly offer the safest possible environment for customers. As confirmation of the acceptance of safety technology, the recently introduced directive EN15288 states that consideration should now be given to drowning detection systems on all refurbishment and new build projects.
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F THE SWIMMING POOL SAFETY CO
( 0845 862 0040
:
www.poolsafetyco.com
United States
A Washington based public relations firm Widmeyer Communications has conducted extensive research into various aspects of pool safety. The industry wide findings revealed: • Consumers are enthusiastic about pools and spas, and their past experiences and enjoyment outweighs concern over drowning or entrapment.
• Though awareness of VGB Entrapment Act is high among the pool and spa industry, the law is mostly ‘unknown’ by consumers.
• A positive message on safety from the US pool industry has made an impact on consumers is the most promising.
Australia
Changes to the Australian swimming pool safety standard AS1926.3 are in motion. Swimming pool safety –Water recirculation and filtration systems has not been touched since 1993 despite a series of tragic entrapment incidents. Senior pool industry figures have been lobbying for revisions of the safety standard. Now, after many years of demands, it looks like a review will be happening.
There‘s a 2011 deadline to collate information to include new entrapment laws. New legislation should be in place for 2010 which the industry hopes will make suction covers a legal requirement and offer consumer’s reassurance.
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