SNZ oppose changes to Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987

Swimming New Zealand is committed to ensuring that all New Zealanders have the skills and knowledge to enjoy the water safely. We teach to never swim alone and that parents should practice 100% supervision when children are in, on or around water.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, sometimes children access water without the skills and knowledge to keep themselves safer and their parents are unaware they have strayed. For this reason we support Water Safety New Zealand’s recommendations regarding the repeal of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and do not support the Building (Pools) Amendment Bill in its current form.

Our purpose is to promote swimming for sport, fitness and safety for all New Zealanders but we are always conscious of the fact that water is dangerous and the ability to swim alone will not keep our children safe.

Read more from Water Safety New Zealand about this issue on their website here or in their latest newsletter here.