News Release

Inflatable Pools May Pose Safety Risks

(Thursday, July 7/05)-- District 6 Councillor Andrew Younger is concerned about safety
issues regarding the growing number of inflatable swimming pools in his area.

Councillor Younger said parents are reminded that pools over two feet deep and 100 square feet of surface area must meet the requirements of HRM’s pool by-law, which requires municipal permits and safety fencing.

Swimming Pool By-law (S-700) defines a pool for the purposes of regulation as any artificial body of water outside a building over 24 inches in depth and with over 100 square feet of surface area. Pools meeting this criteria require both a municipal development permit and a building permit and are subject to fencing and other requirements of the by-law.

“Pools are great fun for children and others, but we certainly don’t want to read about any backyard pool fatalities this summer. Safety fencing prevents toddlers and children from gaining access to these pools when adults are not around and therefore, reduces the risk of accident or drowning,” he said.

For more information on By-law S-700, visit the HRM website at www.halifax.ca/legislation/bylaws/hrm/bls700.pdf

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Councillor Andrew Younger
(902) 476-1727