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Toddler who fell into pool has died
The Gazette
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The toddler who fell into a backyard pool in Ile Bizard last week has died.
The 17-month old boy fell into an above-ground pool on Aug. 4. He died Aug. 6 at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
The toddler and his mother were apparently visiting relatives next to their 2nd Ave. home when the child somehow walked out the back patio doors on to the deck which was level with the above-ground pool.
The deck which led out the back of the home had fencing on its sides but there was no barrier to the pool itself.
Police said the case has been treated as an accident.
Montreal Police Constable Khobee Gibson said the incident should serve as a reminder to all pool owners to make sure access to their pools is controlled.
“No matter where you live and what the laws are regarding pool security in your municipality, homeowners should take the time to make sure access to their pools is restricted,” he said. “It’s a matter of safety, it’s a matter of life....”
Quebec’s Lifesaving Society recommends that pools be enclosed by a fence at least 1.2 meters high.
Like many municipalities and boroughs, municipal bylaws on Ile Bizard specify that above-ground pools that are more than 1.1 meters (three-feet, six inches) tall do not require fencing. Above-ground pools measuring 1.1 meters and less are required to have fencing. All in-ground pools require fencing.
New provincial government regulations for backyard pools – which will spell out new minimum standards – are likely to be enforced next summer; so far, the new regulations will apply only to new pools.
Richard Bélanger, mayor of the Ile Bizard/Ste. Genevieve, said the child’s death was very sad.
“Our sympathy goes out to the family,” he said adding that the borough will be looking at the new government regulations for backyard pools before deciding what bylaw changes will be made in the borough. “Our first priority is the safety of our citizens,” he said.