A coroner has warned that unfenced temporary pools pose a “grave hazard” to young children following the death of a 20-month-old who drowned after wandering unsupervised into a backyard pool at a crowded home.
The coroner found the tragedy was preventable, citing the absence of fencing, unsecured doors, and nearby objects that allowed the child to climb into the pool.
Authorities say the case reflects a wider pattern of drownings linked to the growing popularity of cheap, easy-to-assemble pools.
Water safety advocates are urging families to fence or empty temporary pools immediately after use, while government agencies face pressure to tighten sales regulations and promote greater public awareness.
Image credit: Kateryna Hliznitsova
This will be a millstone around some peoples necks for years
But only … if
No turning back the clock now
Very sad and totally preventable
Which is the troubling part
Yes even an empty pool could pose considerable risk of injury or death to a toddler
Keep them away
Is the logical deduction
You never get over something like this NZ tragedy
You only learn to live with it