Pool fences save lives

Tuesday, 19 November 2019

Penrith Council is issuing a warning about unfenced swimming pools and is calling on residents to ensure all pools – especially inflatable pools – are properly fenced off.

“Inflatable pools are a cheap way to keep cool but they can also be a source of tragedy,” said Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM.

“If you think you don’t need to fence off an inflatable pool or a swim spa, you’re wrong.

“Portable and inflatable pools have the same drowning risk as permanent pools and many of them need to be fenced off,” he said.

"It is important to ensure home pools, including portable and inflatable pools that hold 30cm of water or more, are properly fenced with a self-closing and self-latching gate.

“Active supervision by an adult is the best protection against drowning, but a pool barrier is another layer of protection if supervision is interrupted.

“Children aged under five continue to be the age group that accounts for the largest number of drowning deaths in swimming pools in Australia.

“Too often a toddler wanders around a back yard and gets into trouble because the pool is unfenced or the gate is propped open. 

"Many people don't realise when they buy one of these inflatable pools that it is illegal to have an unfenced pool in a backyard; this is not only to simply obey the law, but to make sure family members and their play mates are safe,” Cr Fowler said.

Council has commenced a zero tolerance compliance campaign and will issue on the spot fines for $550 if it is found that the gate of a pool has been propped open or there is an unfenced portable or inflatable pool.

For more information on safety requirements visit https://penrith.city/pools or call Council on 4732 7897.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 19 November 2019.