However, this evidence is gathered from ecological studies or case series, rendering the preventive association between fencing and drowning tentative at best. The two recent studies evaluating pool fencing ordinances in Los Angeles County and Queensland, Australia indicate that the mere passage of legislation is not sufficient to reduce drownings. To reference the complete Cochrane Review on Pool Fencing click here. Recommendations on effectiveness of pool fencing and regulations requiring pool fencing There is no reason to believe that a particular fencing type shown to be effective in preventing toddlers from climbing it should not translate to the real world. Because three-sided pool fencing still allows for unintentional access through the house, we therefore strongly recommend isolation pool fencing as an effective strategy in preventing submersion injuries.
Legislation requiring fencing does increase the percentage of pools that are fenced.
Pool fencing that serves merely as a barrier to trespassers will not prevent drownings for those allowed access to the property. Legislation should require isolation fencing with secure, self-latching gates. Legislation should require retrofitting of existing pools and include enforcement provisions in order to be effective. Recommendations for future research Studies examining fencing enforcement might lead to better fencing legislation. Future studies should examine the effect of adding a multifaceted educational campaign to legislation.