City Council to draft pool fencing by-law

Press, 11 May 1984, Page 4

City Council to draft pool fencing by-law

A draft by-law for the fencing of new and existing swimming pools will be prepared-* byjuhristchurch City Council officers. Councillors have waited to discuss the pdol fencing issue, also being faced by other local bodies, until the Standards Association of New Zealand produced a model by-law. / That by-law, now available, had too many inherent problems to Be adopted, members of the council’s town planning committee said yesterday; It required/ fencing for everything down to a

paddling pool, and would be retrospective for all pools. Supporters of a fencing by-law warned that future Government legislation could force council action if nothing was done locally. The council’s present building by-law requires permits only for pools with a capacity of more than 23,000 litres.

About 35 such permits were approved last year. The buildings engineer, Mr Brian Bluck, said it would be a big and expensive job to inspect properties for pools covered by the

model by-law. Cr Alister James said the council was “Swimming against the tide in this matter” and “dragging the chain” by its lack of action.

Cr Helen Garrett said the council had just been waiting for the model by-law. Cr James said the need for a fencing by-law had been supported by a large number of reputable organisations and individuals, including the Accident Compensation Corporation, the Water Safety Council, and the Plunket Society. “We can’t legislate for every conceivable danger,

but this is one case where we can do something,” he said.

Cr Maurice Carter said the council could at least make a start by considering a by-law for new pools. “I don’t think the cost is a major factor,” said the Mayor, Sir Hamish Hay, of problems in administering a by-law. “You know, you’re dealing with lives, and you can’t put a value on that very easily.” Cr Alex Clark said that any half-measure suggested by the council could be seen as irresponsible by the public.