Swimming pool rules to aid safety

TOUGH legislation will come into effect from January 1, 2004 in an attempt to make swimming pools in holiday homes safer.

The French parliament passed the Raffarin Law in December 2002 to ensure the use of security systems around swimming pools.

The law applies to in-ground outdoor pools, but does not apply to indoor pools and above ground or on-ground pools.

And the time frame is tight with pools built in 2003/04, or those used at holiday rentals, requiring security measures to be installed by January 1, 2004.

Other pools must have a security system in place by January 1, 2006.

The security systems allowed are:
· Enclosures or fences
· Reinforced pool covers
· Drowning alarms
· Pool shelters

Currently there are no standards that have to be met except for the height of fencing which must be at least 1.10m high and have a childproof gateway.

The fencing must also be placed at least 1m from the edge of the pool but there is no maximum range, only that it should concern the pool.

Reinforced pool covers must be strong enough to support the weight of an adult or child and completely close the pool off.

Alarm systems can be installed which detect when somebody approaches a specified area, or somebody falls into the water.

A professional should install both these styles of alarm.

Pool shelters again must be strong enough to prevent children falling in and be securely locked.

Standards are set to be announced by mid-December 2003 but it is also worth talking to professional swimming pool installers for advice.

Simple advice includes making sure the surrounds of a pool are clear and to keep floating toys out of the pool when not is use.

Young children are the most likely to drown in pools and although security measures can be put in place, youngsters need to be supervised at all times.

Update April 6, 2010
AFNOR is the national body with responsibility for legislation, contact information for detailed questions:

http://www.afnor.org/

A list of regional offices can be found here:
http://groupe.afnor.org/contactsf/espaces.htm