Inflatable pools are commonly found for sale in department stores and are sold with warnings about the dangers of toddles drowning. Why are these warnings necessary? Why are these pools more dangerous than regular backyard swimming pools? Well, the pool in itself probably poses a similar threat to the safety of young children that built in pools do, but it’s more the lack of adequate safety barriers that makes the situation so dangerous.
Strict Regulations Regarding Pool Fencing Requirements
Inadequate pool fencing remains a major contributing factor in the rate of drowning among children under five years of age. For this reason, there are strict rules regarding the type of fencing that must be placed around the pool. They must:
- be at least 1.2m high
- not leave a gap at the bottom bigger than 10cm
- not have gaps of more than 10cm between vertical bars in the fence
- space any horizontal climbing bars at least 90cm apart.
- Fencing Rules Also Apply to Inflatable Pools
The NSW government states that owners of inflatable pools also have to ensure that their pools comply with fencing laws. Whether people choose not to abide by these, or whether they are honestly unaware that such regulations exist for inflatable pools, this becomes a very real danger to young children who subsequently have access to the pool.
Count the Cost and Consider Alternatives
Consider if you are prepared to put a fence in place around the pool that satisfies the pool fencing Sydney requirements. Some people might not think this is worth the effort, if the pool is simply intended for a once off occasion or if it is only likely to be used for a short period of time over the hot summer months. If you need to cool down in the hot weather, there are other alternatives if you’re not fortunate enough to have a pool in your backyard. You could set up sprinklers on the lawn for the children to run through. Kids typically love to play under them and often spend hours at a time entertaining themselves. Just make sure they are wearing a hat and have plenty of sunscreen on if the area is not shaded from the sun.
Residents of Penrith Know What a Heatwave Is
When heatwaves hit Sydney, people living in Penrith and its surrounding regions often get hit the worst. In fact, in January this year, Penrith experienced the highest temperature recorded anywhere in the Sydney Basin since 1939 at 47.3°C. For this reason, it is understandable that residents of Penrith need some way of cooling off. While it might be very tempting to go out and buy an inflatable pool on a whim, it may not be the best decision if it is not going to be surrounded by a compliant pool fence. Once it’s filled up, it is surprising how much water it holds. Not all properties are suited for a swimming pool, so if you don’t have the possibility of having one, then sprinklers can provide many hours of enjoyment.