Temporary pools an accident waiting to happen

Thursday, 14 January 2016

Inflatable pools may take only moments to set up but can take away a lifetime if proper safety procedures aren't followed.

Inflatable pools may take only moments to set up but can take away a lifetime if proper safety procedures aren't followed.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said temporary and inflatable pools require the same standards of fencing as permanent, in-ground pools to ensure they're safe.

"If a pool can hold 300mm deep of water, it must have complying safety fencing and gates in place, as required by law," Councillor McKeown said.

"It's not about stopping you having fun, it's about potentially saving people, mainly children from drowning or suffering lifetime horrific injuries with a near-drowning.

"Parents must also be vigilant at all times whenever there is water in the pool, please watch your children, even if they're confident swimmers, accidents can happen."

"Many people don't realise when they buy one of these inflatable pools that it's illegal to have an unfenced pool in a suburban backyard, this is not only to make sure your own family members are safe but also others who may come into your yard."

For more information on safety requirements visit our pool and spa safety page or call Council on 4732 7777777.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 14 January 2016.