mmg.com.au

People seeking relief from Shepparton’s continuing high temperatures in backyard inflatable pools are being warned that such pools are subject to fencing regulations.

Greater Shepparton City Council’s building service manager Robert Frame said people looking to pools to cool down may not be aware of safety regulations that apply to inflatable pools.

Under Building Code of Australia regulations, effective from May 1, 2010, all pools more than 30cm deep, including inflatable pools, must have safety barriers.

‘‘A child safety barrier is required around any swimming pool if it has a depth of water more than 300mm, including inflatable paddling pools. A building permit will be required for the construction of such a pool and its safety barrier,’’ Mr Frame said.

Drowning is the most common cause of preventable death for children under five in Victoria, Mr Frame said.

Local councils are able to enforce fines of up to $6000 for those with inadequately fenced pools.

Clark Rubber Shepparton owner Peter Wallace said every pool stocked in the store came with a warning on the box and on the instruction leaflet to check fencing regulations with the local council.

Mr Wallace said staff members were fully aware of local pool regulations and handed out information leaflets with each pool sold.

He said a lot of pools were sold during the recent hot weather and he had almost sold out..

‘‘People are even purchasing pools for their dogs — anything that holds water,’’ Mr Wallace said.

Shepparton resident Bree Harding has a fenced 90cm-deep inflatable pool and a smaller shell pool about 20cm deep in her backyard.

She bought the inflatable pool in 2011 and only installed it after putting up proper fencing.

She said the fence gave her peace of mind for the safety of her three outdoor-loving boys, Felix, 5, Hugo, 3, and Miles, 2.

‘‘I wouldn’t have a pool in the backyard without a fence around it,’’ she said.

‘‘I’d never forgive myself if something happened.’’

For more information phone Greater Shepparton City Council on 58329700 or visit Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria’s website at www.spasavic.com.au