3 Jul 2004

Making pools safer

Making pools safer

Legislation introduced in France makes new safety measures compulsory for private swimming pools to reduce the risk of drowning accidents.

Two of ASSA ABLOY’s French Group companies, Bezault and Stremler, have quickly designed and developed specially adapted safety products.

The market for private swimming pools in France is growing all the time. There are already an estimated 550,000 pools, with about 30,000 new ones built every year. But this has also led to an increase in the number of accidents and drownings among young children. In France, drowning is the leading cause of death in domestic accidents involving children under four years of age.

In response, the French parliament passed the legislation, similar to laws in Australia and New Zealand, making protective systems compulsory for private swimming pools. Since January, all new in-ground pools for private use must have approved safety features. For existing in-ground pools, these new measures must be put in place by 1 January, 2006. The protection systems stipulated by the law include fencing, covers, sliding shutters and alarms. Breaches can incur a fine of 45,000 EUR.

Bezault and Stremler developed their innovative new products in a remarkably short time. Bezault CEO Fréderic Colin explains:
“A few months ago, Bezault introduced a new modular protective fence in lacquered aluminum that can be adapted to fit all pools. This system meets the new regulations and does not detract from the pool’s appearance.”
Stremler has also developed, in record time, a new lock that provides a unique solution for secure access to pools. Patrick Le Galloudec, Sales Manager at Stremler, says:
“Our new lock cannot be opened by young children because it requires two simultaneous movements.”
When new safety and security needs emerge, the ASSA ABLOY Group aims to be the first manufacturers to propose solutions that reassure parents and guarantee children’s safety.