11 September 2008
Media Release
For immediate release
3D solution gets to the bottom of pool safety
The water safety and pool safety sectors have a new education tool at their disposal with launch of the Swimming and Spa
Pool Safety Solution, in 3D Virtual Simulation, at the Auckland Home Show.
A pool is a great asset, providing many hours of fun and activity for the family, however statistics show that it can
present a significant danger for young children.
"It is disturbing that home pools figure prominently in the drowning statistics, especially among young children," says
Teresa Stanley, WaterSafe Auckland's Drowning Prevention Manager. "In the Auckland region alone almost 50% of our young
children who drown, or suffer serious injury from immersion, do so in domestic pools."
Standards, acts, codes, compliance and layers of protection are just words, but what do they really mean for anyone who
owns, is building or planning to build, a pool to ensure that the pool is safe.
The Simulation helps to navigate the minefield of pool compliance by showcasing fencing legislation and requirements
under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act (1987), alternatives to pool fencing under NZ Standard 8500:2006 and layers of
protection along with contact details for pool safety equipment suppliers.
The Swimming and Spa Pool Safety Solution was developed in conjunction with the pool compliance teams of Auckland's
seven councils and is available at no charge from the WaterSafe Auckland stand at the Auckland Home Show, ASB
Showgrounds, 10-14 September.
ENDS