17 children a year used to drown in home pools however, since the introduction of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act in 1987 that number has dropped to an average of five a year.

The Ashburton District Council is required to take all reasonable steps to ensure home pools in its district comply with the act.

If you own, or intend to construct a swimming pool it must comply with the following regulations.

·        Fence height must be a minimum of 1.2 metres high

·        Ground clearance is no higher than 100mm

·        Gates open outwards

·        Gates automatically shut

·        Gate latches are self locking

·        Top bolts on ranch sliders

·        Steps for para-type pools are removed

·        Council officers have authority to enter a property that contains a swimming pool that they believe doesn’t comply with the above regulations.Steps for para-type pools are removed

Council officers have authority to enter a property that contains a swimming pool that they believe doesn’t comply with the above regulations.