New pool safety legislation came into force this year, designed to help protect children from drowning in private swimming pools.
One
of the changes made by Parliament is that councils must now inspect residential
pool barriers every three years to make sure they meet the safety requirements.
James
Jefferson, General Manager Policy, Planning & Regulatory Services said
Porirua City Council had written to the city’s residential pool owners to let
them know about the law changes and to advise that inspections will be
arranged.
“We’ll
be visiting all properties with pools in our city to check they’re safely
fenced. There are 438 private pools and spa pools that we’re aware of in
Porirua, so this will be a gradual process over the next 12 months.”
There
is an option under the new law for pool owners to engage an independently
qualified pool owner to do the inspection if they wish. The Ministry of
Business, Innovation and Employment have a register of qualified inspectors.
The Council will hold workshops for interested pool owners early next year, to make sure they know what’s needed for their pool barriers to comply with the new law. Dates and times will be advertised on our website and Facebook page.
“It’s
the property owner’s responsibility to make sure their pool is safely fenced at
all times, and our role to check this is happening,” Mr Jefferson said.
Because
of the importance of keeping our children and young people safe, the first
inspection will be free. There will be a fee charged for any follow up
inspections.
“We
look forward to working together with pool owners to make sure our people, and
especially our children, are safe.
“If
you have a pool that isn’t on our records and you haven’t heard from us, please
get in touch to arrange an inspection.”
More information can be found on our Swimming and Spa Pools.
13 Dec 2017
