| In January 2006, France introduced new laws | | | | must either install a new safety system or |
| designed to improve safety near swimming pools. | | | | upgrade their safety system to be consistent |
| A pool owner who is not in compliance with the | | | | with the current standards. If, the existing system |
| new law could face fines of up to 45,000. | | | | is in line with the current standards, then owners |
| Lawmakers explain that this new set of | | | | need written confirmation of the fact. |
| regulations is primarily intended to prevent | | | | If a pool was built after January 1, 2004, owners |
| accidental drowning and injuries involving small | | | | should have had a proper safety system installed |
| children, who are the most vulnerable to pool side | | | | by the builder. |
| accidents. | | | | Owners of pools built before June 8, 2004, must |
| The law covers all in-ground swimming pools that | | | | have confirmation from the supplier that the |
| are used for private and public use, including those | | | | safety system that is currently installed complies |
| pools present on rental property. This law covers | | | | with the new regulations. It is also the duty of the |
| the vast majority of pools in the country, but it | | | | builder to provide owners with the necessary |
| does not apply to pools that are situated | | | | documents, outlining the safety equipment that is |
| aboveground, inflatable or indoors. If owners do | | | | available and general pool safety. |
| have safety measures currently in place, they | | | | |
| must become familiar and comply with the | | | | Of all the methods prescribed by AFNOR, many |
| standards defined by the Association Francaise de | | | | experts agree that a swimming pool safety fence |
| Normalisation (AFNOR). Failure to do this can result | | | | would be the best option. This is because a fence |
| in a fine. | | | | offers continuous and passive protection. An adult |
| According to the new law, there are four major | | | | is not required to be on the scene at all times as |
| types of safety systems approved by AFNOR. | | | | would be the case with a pool alarm. While pool |
| Security Barriers (AFNOR standard: NF P 90-306): | | | | covers are also another option, they are not as |
| These can be either permanent or temporary | | | | secure as pool fences, and can obscure the |
| barriers. Swimming pool safety fences in France | | | | beauty of the pool. |
| are already quite popular. | | | | Since fences come in all sorts of different |
| Pool Alarms (AFNOR standard: NF P 90-307): An | | | | materials ranging from mesh to glass and are |
| Immersion detector or perimeter alarm. This | | | | available in different colors, they can blend well |
| system requires an adult to be within audible | | | | with their surroundings. Therefore, fences can |
| range to respond to an emergency. | | | | provide safety and be appealing all at the same |
| Pool Covers (AFNOR standard: NF P 90-308): | | | | time. Fences are also relatively easy to maintain |
| Summer and winter covers are acceptable if they | | | | and can be constantly monitored for defects or |
| comply with AFNOR standards. Covers that are | | | | problems, unlike alarms or sensors. |
| more than three years old do not generally | | | | With all of these factors and comparisons, it |
| comply with AFNOR standards. | | | | seems clear the swimming pool safety fences are |
| Pool Shelter or Abris (AFNOR standard: NF P | | | | probably the best way for pool owners to stay |
| 90-308): These refer to fixed telescopic | | | | compliant with the new French regulations and |
| structures that cover an entire swimming pool. | | | | avoid tragic accidents involving children. |
| Owners of pools built before January 1, 2004, | | | | |