Swimming pool fencing urged by corporation

Press, 5 July 1983, Page 33

Swimming pool fencing urged by corporation

The Accident Compensation Corporation has urged the Government to take all reasonable measures to ensure that all private swimming pools are fenced by March, 1986. In submissions to a select committee investigating private-pool fencing, the corporation said further delays would cost lives. “Further years spent amassing information without action will, it is suggested. cost many more young lives,” said the corporation’s chief safety consultant, Mr W. W. Simmers.

An analysis of 1981 New Zealand statistics showed that private swimming pools were the greatest single hazard to children aged between one and four. Of the 78 children aged less than five years who drowned in private swimming pools between 1973 and 1981, only three drowned in pools that were fully fenced.

Mr Simmers said that private pools were an increasing hazard. About 25.000 pools were being installed in New Zealand every year.

The corporation's research had shown that fencing was more effective than any other protection method. It estimated the cost of building an adequate fence, with a self-closing gate, round an averagesized swimming pool to be between $l2OO and $2OOO, depending on materials. Mr Simmers said that the Government should issue, a strong statement to all local authorities recommending that they pass by-laws for private-pool fencing. The Government should, if necessary, legislate to ensure that all pools were fenced by 1986 to standards given in a model by-law drafted by the Standards Association in 1979. he said.