This summer the Thames-Coromandel District Council will work with locals who have pools on their properties to ensure they are fenced properly.

Community Environment operations manager Barry Smedts says council does not want any unnecessary drownings within the district 'if we can help prevent it”.

This month Thames-Coromandel District Council inspectors will be visiting properties that have swimming and spa pools to ensure they are properly fenced. Photo: File

'Under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act our council is required to take all reasonable steps to ensure pools within our district are fenced legally,” explains Barry.

It's been five years since council last did an audit of pool fences on the Coromandel.

Letters are now being sent out to property owners with pools listed in council's records and an inspector will begin visiting properties in early January.

Pool fencing inspections cost $185 and additional inspections could incur a further $185 if the pool fence doesn't comply.

'We encourage owners to undertake regular maintenance of pool fencing and gates to make sure they are safe between inspection cycles,” Barry adds.

Any pool holding a depth of 400mm of water needs fencing that complies with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. This includes spa pools, portable pools and swimming pools.

All gates and doors must also open away from the pool and be self-closing and latching. Only pools 1.2m high without climbable ladders are considered exempt from needing a separate fence.

Spa pools with self-locking lids will require a special exemption from council.

POOL OWNERS SHOULD CHECK:

• That there is nothing climbable at least 1.2m away from your pool fence, such as trees or garden furniture
• Check the gates to the pool to see if the latches are still lockable and close properly
• If a ranch-slider is part of your pool fencing, check the latches are lockable and close properly.

For more information call the Thames-Coromandel District Council's customer service team on 07 868 0200 or visit council's Swimming and Spa Pools webpage.