Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on safety of children at private swimming pools

Feb 11, 2019

Ms Irene Quay Siew Ching: To ask the Minister for National Development 

a) whether BCA has plans to mandate child-proof pool fences in private swimming pools in view of the increasing number of near-drowning cases involving children and 10 deaths reported in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital from 2011 to 2015; and

b) what are the measures taken by BCA over the years to improve the safety of private swimming pools?

Answer:

For the safety of young children, the Code of Practice for the design and management of aquatic facilities recommends that toddler and learner pools be situated away from the deep areas of other pools. This is done to prevent their unintended use.  There are also safety-related guidelines under the Code for warning signs, slip-resistant flooring, depth markings and adequate lighting. 

As an added safety precaution, private pool owners can install child-resistant barriers.  For strata-titled developments, the management corporations may make such improvements to their swimming pools, by passing a special resolution. 

Besides infrastructural measures, parents and caregivers should closely monitor young children when they are near swimming pools.  Water safety education is also important.  As part of the physical education curriculum, all primary school students are taught water safety knowledge and basic swimming skills.  This is done through the SwimSafer 2.0 programme, in partnership with SportSG. SportSG has also been actively carrying out water safety outreach and education programmes to raise public awareness.  Management corporations of condominiums that also wish to participate in these programmes, or seek water safety advice in general, can contact the Safety Management team at SportSG directly.