Why don't all backyard water features need a fence?

It's well known that backyard swimming pools and spas have strict safety barrier requirements, but does this apply to all bodies of water around the home?

Essentially, a swimming pool or spa is an area where we invite and encourage children to swim and play. This extends to inflatable or portable pools as well – so if a wading or portable pool can hold water that is more than 300mm deep, it requires a compliant safety barrier too.

But what about other bodies of water around the home?

Water features such as fountains or fish ponds are not used for swimming, wading or paddling, and as such they are not required under regulation to have a safety barrier installed.

Likewise, your local lake is not intended to be used for aquatic leisure activities. Lakes and rivers are intended for wildlife and are not somewhere we take our children to swim.

While their intended use is not for swimming, keep in mind that household water features such as fish ponds can still pose a drowning risk for young children, and it is recommended that homeowners consider taking measures to reduce the risk by installing safety barriers or other devices to prevent access.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in kids under five.

Backyard pools are the most obvious location where children can drown, but there are many other water sources around the home to look out for. Learn more about general water safety at home at the link below.
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