This Summer, Swim SAFELY
Pools can provide hours of fun and relief from the hot, humid days of summer.
Follow these safety tips to ensure that you and your family stay safe. As the warm weather approaches, the Town would like to remind all residents about the hazards associated with swimming pools. Each year, many children drown or are injured in both swimming and wading pool-related incidents.
BY-LAW NUMBER 760
______________________________________
BY-LAW CONCERNING SWIMMING POOLS
2. APPLICATION
2.1 This By-law applies to the territory of the Town of Hampstead.
2.2 This By-law applies to all exterior swimming pools:
a) whatever the depth of the water found therein, with respect to in-ground pools, and
b) to those having a depth of water of 60 cm (2 feet) or more in the case of above-ground pools.
This section also applies to hot tubs and spas.
7. FENCING FOR SWIMMING POOLS
7.1 A pool must be completely surrounded by a fence in accordance with the following provisions:
a. The fence may be situated on or near the lot lines or around the pool on the lot itself but in all cases, there must be a free area of 1.85 metres (6 feet) between the perimeter of the water surface and the face of the fence;
b. The fence may not be less than 1.85metres (6 feet) high at all points as measured from the adjoining grade;
c. In the case of an above-ground pool, the fence may form an integral part of the structure of the pool; however, the combined height of the wall of the pool and the fence may
not be lower than 1.85 metres (6 feet) nor higher than 2.4 metres (8 feet);
d. The fence of the pool must be designed in such a way that there are no protrusions or openings to facilitate climbing;
e. The openings between vertical stiles may not be greater than 10 cm (4 inches);
f. The fence of the pool must be designed in such a way that the space between the bottom of the fence and the ground or pool structure, in the case of an above-ground pool,
may not exceed 10 cm (4 inches);
g. Any gate providing access to a pool must be provided with a self-latching device situated on the interior side of the enclosure and at least 1.3 metres (4.3 feet) from the
ground. This latch must be locked with a key or a padlock when the pool is not under the direct supervision of an adult entrusted by the owner of the pool to undertake such
supervision.
7.2 For the purpose of this By-law, a hedge or arrangement of trees does not constitute a fence or wall.
Follow these safety tips to ensure you and your family stay safe:
Supervision
Other Tips
Water Safety - Backyard Pools :
Backyard pools provide hours of fun and relief from the hot, humid days of summer.
Tragically they are the most common location for drowning or near drowning in our city!
Ask about the Pool enclosure bylaw and pool enclosure permit before you buy your pool - call the Town of Hampstead at 514-369-8200.
Pools can provide hours of fun and relief from the hot, humid days of summer.
Follow these safety tips to ensure that you and your family stay safe. As the warm weather approaches, the Town would like to remind all residents about the hazards associated with swimming pools. Each year, many children drown or are injured in both swimming and wading pool-related incidents.
BY-LAW NUMBER 760
______________________________________
BY-LAW CONCERNING SWIMMING POOLS
2. APPLICATION
2.1 This By-law applies to the territory of the Town of Hampstead.
2.2 This By-law applies to all exterior swimming pools:
a) whatever the depth of the water found therein, with respect to in-ground pools, and
b) to those having a depth of water of 60 cm (2 feet) or more in the case of above-ground pools.
This section also applies to hot tubs and spas.
7. FENCING FOR SWIMMING POOLS
7.1 A pool must be completely surrounded by a fence in accordance with the following provisions:
a. The fence may be situated on or near the lot lines or around the pool on the lot itself but in all cases, there must be a free area of 1.85 metres (6 feet) between the perimeter of the water surface and the face of the fence;
b. The fence may not be less than 1.85metres (6 feet) high at all points as measured from the adjoining grade;
c. In the case of an above-ground pool, the fence may form an integral part of the structure of the pool; however, the combined height of the wall of the pool and the fence may
not be lower than 1.85 metres (6 feet) nor higher than 2.4 metres (8 feet);
d. The fence of the pool must be designed in such a way that there are no protrusions or openings to facilitate climbing;
e. The openings between vertical stiles may not be greater than 10 cm (4 inches);
f. The fence of the pool must be designed in such a way that the space between the bottom of the fence and the ground or pool structure, in the case of an above-ground pool,
may not exceed 10 cm (4 inches);
g. Any gate providing access to a pool must be provided with a self-latching device situated on the interior side of the enclosure and at least 1.3 metres (4.3 feet) from the
ground. This latch must be locked with a key or a padlock when the pool is not under the direct supervision of an adult entrusted by the owner of the pool to undertake such
supervision.
7.2 For the purpose of this By-law, a hedge or arrangement of trees does not constitute a fence or wall.
Follow these safety tips to ensure you and your family stay safe:
Supervision
- Children should be within arms’ reach, in and around the pool.
- When supervising, make sure you are free from alcohol, drugs or distractions.
- Check water depth before diving or jumping in.
- Ensure the pool and deck area are free of clutter.
- Learners should wear life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFD). Do not use inflatable toys as a substitute.
- Keep safety equipment including a phone close by.
Other Tips
- Never swim alone.
- Take swimming lessons.
- Learn CPR and First Aid.
- Teach children water safety rules
Water Safety - Backyard Pools :
Backyard pools provide hours of fun and relief from the hot, humid days of summer.
Tragically they are the most common location for drowning or near drowning in our city!
- Children who drowned usually gained easy access to the pool or were left unsupervised.
- Young adults are often injured while diving or during horseplay in or around the pool.
- Drowning in older adults in backyard pools are often associated with swimming alone.
- "Pool" means a privately owned outdoor pool of water for swimming, bathing, wading or reflecting which is capable of retaining a water depth equal to or greater than 600 mm (24") at any point.
- This includes pools, hot tubs, fish ponds and the inflatable pools capable of retaining a depth of water 24" or greater which require fencing (pool enclosure permit).
- Be informed, many people purchase a pool before finding out the cost of the enclosure is much greater than the cost of the pool itself.
- Fencing needs to be a minimum of 1.85 metres (6 feet) with a lockable self-closing, and self-latching device located at the top inside of gate.(see By-Law above)
Ask about the Pool enclosure bylaw and pool enclosure permit before you buy your pool - call the Town of Hampstead at 514-369-8200.
- Check your fence yearly to make sure it is in good condition.
- Tell your pool users the rules.
- Encourage pool users to get trained - learn to swim.
- Always supervise children "Within Arms Reach".
- No one should ever dive into an above ground pool.
- Keep safety equipment, including a phone nearby.
- Wait until activities in the pool are over before starting to serve alcohol.
Remember: Preventing Access To Your Pool Could Save A Life!
Information will be available soon
