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Swimming pool fencing in New South Wales: who is checking compliance?
Author(s) -
Mitchell Rebecca,
Haddrill Katrina
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he04068
Subject(s) - fencing , population health , compliance (psychology) , health economics , animal ecology , public health , medicine , business , geography , nursing , psychology , computer science , ecology , biology , social psychology , parallel computing
Issue addressed Lack of appropriate swimming pool fencing is often found to be a causal factor contributing to the drowning of young children. Local councils are responsible for the enforcement of the Swimming Pools Act 1992 in New South Wales (NSW), yet no consistent approach to enforcement exists. Methods A survey of local councils in NSW was conducted during June‐August 2002. The survey included questions that aimed to identify what information was collected regarding backyard swimming pools, the form in which this information was stored, and barriers to the enforcement of pool fencing legislation in NSW. Results Just over two‐thirds of local councils responded to the survey. The type and format of information available regarding backyard swimming pools varied considerably between local government areas. Regular pool fencing inspections were not often conducted and minimal information was kept regarding the compliance status of backyard pool fencing with the Act. Conclusions While the vast majority of local councils conduct educational initiatives aimed at improving pool owners' familiarity with the requirements of the NSW Swimming Pools Act 1992, ambiguities exist in the Act that can make compliance confusing. The effectiveness of the Act is further undermined by the low levels of compliance to its specifications. So what? Recent evidence suggests that swimming pool fencing legislation in NSW should be reviewed. Barriers identified by local councils in relation to enforcement of pool fencing legislation in NSW should be addressed.