Australia forces pool owners to install a fence. Does it really help to save the life of my child?

Here in Australia, we can think of us as really lucky as having a pool in the own garden is just about a standard. Playing with your children outside and eventually going for a swim in the blazing summer, sounds all great doesn't it? However, imagine a scenario where this dream transforms into your grandest nightmare when your own particular child dies in your own pool. Statistics show that each year in Australia kids under the age of 5 drown in their own pool. There are various statistics, opinions and laws about pool security, often connected to the question whether a fence is required or not. The perplexity is huge so I will try to have a closer on that matter and try to find out what the actual confusion is.

As formerly said each year families are struck by the tragedy in their own house when their children die or almost die. At the time you catch in the news that a a family lost a child in your town, maybe street you might not realise what actually happened and how it will affect a family's life forever. But how come that half of Australia's pools still don't have a fence and pool owners are not sure if it actually helps or not? The country has diverse laws for pool fences in every state. In a few states you need to have a pool fence, in some you don't and some recently modified the regulations.

Queensland for instance has recently released new pool regulations, which makes each pool possessor to purchase a security pool fence around his pool before November 2015. If he doesn't comply to the law by then, substantial fines apply. Such a fence is clearly not inexpensive, which is why people are not happy with that law. Considering that the government has lately enforced many debatable regulations, it is quite easy to understand the anger of the people. However, if they would look at the facts, that approximately 5 children drowning in their own pool every year in Queensland, they would probably reconsider their statement. I personally figure that if you are able to bear the cost of a pool, you might as well additionally think about purchasing a pool fence. What is money compared to the life of a child?

There can just be one solution for this entire topic: Any sort of fence is fundamental for your pool as it minimises the danger of drowning. And to go a little further, it may be quite expensive but we spend so much money on so many things that we actually don't need - such as I-Pads, huge TVs, big cars - money can't be the excuse for not getting a fence. If you are concerned that the pool fence will convert your backyard into a prison, maybe it is worth investigating the "frameless glass" option. The look is modern and the upkeep simple. Having such a feature in your house does not only protect your children but actually improves the design of your entire house.

So please save some money in your annual expenses, yet purchase a pool fence for your children's safety. It sounds so straightforward. One more thing has to be said: The fence should not take away the mother's and father's obligation to WATCH the kids at any time.

By Simon Herrmann
-this is entirely my opinion about the pool fence legislation in Australia- please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Get more information about glass pool fencing at www.planetglassqld.com