Fifty-nine percent died in backyard swimming pools.

Singleton Council’s compliance officer Amanda King said people were happy to ‘dob in’ a neighbour, friend or relative for having inadequate pool fencing because of the potential danger.

“People only do it because they have concern for the kids,” Mrs King said.

She said the majority of pools in Singleton were adequately fenced but there was some confusion about the need to fence pools on rural properties, pools installed prior to 1992 and smaller, blow up pools. Current legislation requires all pools to be fenced but where it is not feasible to fence off a dam or a lake on a rural property, owners are encouraged to create a child safe area close to the home and away from the water.

“My biggest concern is the blow up pools, people buy these for around $200 and can’t see the need to spend money on fencing but a child can drown in these pools as easily as they can in a large pool,” she said.

Instead of being heavy fisted with compliance, Mrs King said council was taking a far more proactive approach.

“We want to help people to make their pool safe,” she said.

Key issues are a self-closing gate, adequate fencing, no climbable objects such as pot plants or seating near the fence, a prominent resuscitation sign and always being within arms reach of any child under the age of five.

Mrs King said any resident wanting to get their pool checked was welcome to call Singleton Council on 6578 7290 and organise for a compliance officer to visit their home.

Council will not issue a fine if the pool is not compliant but will give suggestions on how to fix the problems. Once complete the resident will be issued with a compliance certificate. The process costs $70.

Mrs King said even those ‘dobbed in’ residents were keen to take the necessary safety steps.

“People sometimes say they don’t have kids so it doesn’t matter but friends, relatives and neighbours do,” she said.