Swimming Pool Fences, Safety Latches and the New By-Laws

Swimming pools are the focus of family fun and recreation. Unfortunately, pools have also been the cause of 40% of drowning tragedies in South Africa. In 2009 the NSRI supplied statistics that showed that children under fifteen accounted for nearly 42% of all drowning fatalities recorded in South Africa and of those statistics, two-year-olds were the most susceptible at 6.4% of all deaths. What makes these statistics even more disturbing is that 38.5% of all drowning incidences occur in private homes and among all pre-schoolers who drown, 70% are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75% are not in sight of the pool for five minutes or less.

If you are a pool owner, it is your responsibility to provide protection to avoid drowning fatalities. You should preferably have more than one layer of protection installed. The first step in securing your pool area is by installing pool fencing to keep out curious and highly mobile toddlers. The City of Johannesburg has issued new draft by-laws for pool owners. These laws have resulted in views being expressed by pool owners regarding the practicality of implementing these laws. The next article briefly highlights the contents of the by-laws and the views expressed by current pool owners.

PRIVATELY OWNED SWIMMING POOLS THAT ARE IN EXISTENCE BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BY-LAWS

Residents in Johannesburg who presently own a swimming pool will be required to advise the council of their current pool within 90 days after promulgation, by means of registration. Residents may not be able to maintain or use their swimming pool, unless the pool is registered, and the Council has issued a permit. As an owner of a pool, you will be given a two year grace period from date of promulgation to advise the council of your pool and obtain a permit.

The Council will within two weeks after receipt of an application for registration of a pool, authorise an official to inspect the residents pool. The inspector will decide if the permit may be issued based on a report that he is satisfied that the pool area is safe.

If a resident is anticipating installing a new pool, they will have to get permission from the City's Building Control Department before they start installing the pool.

PROPOSED REGULATIONS FOR OUTDOOR POOLS

A pool fence will be required to enclose all outdoor pools. The Pool fence or enclosure will have to be in accordance with the National Building Regulations standard. This enclosure or fence must be no less than 1,2 meters high, and no less than one meter from the waters edge if measured horizontally from there. A gate has to be attached to this enclosure and requires a self-closing, self-locking, child safe device.

Authorised officials that are appointed by the Council may at any reasonable time enter any premises without prior notice, to inspect and see if the provisions of the by-laws are complied with.

Residents who contravene these by-laws will be liable to a fine of R50.00 per day or on default of payment to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months. A further fine of R50.00 per day will be charged if the offence continues. On default of this payment, imprisonment for a period not exceeding a day for every day during the continuance of this offence will be charged.

These proposed by-laws are aimed at saving lives of innocent children. The Emergency Management Services of Johannesburg estimate that fifty five people drowned in public and private pools during September 2006 to February 2007. Nick Dollman, Netcare 911, has reported that for every child that dies as a result of a drowning accident, five are left with permanent irreversible damage. Steel Studio International (Pty)Ltd are agents of  MagnaLatch® magnetic, self-closing hinges and LokkLatch® key-lockable, general purpose gate latches. These latches are fitted to most Pool Gates to ensure the safety of your young ones. Steel Studio International (Pty) Ltd is committed to supporting efforts to prevent drowning world-wide. Enquire with one of our sales people about the range of pool enclosures and pool gates that we can custom design for your home.