In September 2010 little Jaise Taylor was holidaying with his Qld Family on the Central Mid Coast of NSW. A vibrant toddler, the love of everyone who knew him and the apple of his mother’s eye. It only took momentary seconds for Jaise to gain access into a pool that was non compliant. Jaise lost his fight for survival after drowning in the rental property pool and his legacy is now fought by his mother Kelly.
Kelly Taylor, with support from Hannah’s Foundation is fighting for changes to the NSW Swimming Pools Act. With support of Channel 9 and various newspapers, facebook page and other families who have experienced similiar tragedies Kelly is advocating the following changes:
1 That the NSW Parliament introduce a legislative change to Division 5, Section 62 to include Swimming Pools/Spas as an urgent and immediate emergency repair.
(Comment: In the circumstance that Landlords/Agents do not fix the pool and council has ordered a non compliance certificate on the property that this action will also give the tenant sufficient grounds under the Act to terminate their lease and without financial penalty.)
2. That the Act be change to include a Swimming Pool Safety Compliance Certificate as a requirement prior to lease to tenant.
3. That the Act include that any exemptions for the Swimming Pool/Spa of the Rental Property be removed for new tenants.
4. That all rental properties have FOUR SIDED FENCING and that all pools/spas be compliant to Australian Standards 1926.1.
5. Specific penalties for non compliance on behalf of agents/landlords.
Swimming Pools Act 1992
- The removal of self closing doors to form part of barrier,
- the adoption of the Australian Standards 1926.1, IN FULL
- the adoption of legislation mirroring Qld Development Code, Mandatory Provisions 3.4
(comment: In many cases QDC MP3.4 has expanded to provide greater protection than that listed in Australian Standards, example; non climbable zones in the upper 900mm quadrant with provisions that a child cannot gain access. The use of canals/rivers/lakes/streams can form part of barrier)
- that all pools have FOUR SIDED fencing,
- Development of a State wide Pool Register
- Development of a Swimming Pool Safety Inspector training course
- The introduction of a Mandatory inspection regime triggered by sale/lease of properties in the first instance for shared/non shared pools
- Shared pools (accommodation complex, motels, hotels) every 12 months
- Non shared pools, stand alone residential if not sold/lease every two years
- Resort pools (swimming pool management plans) every 12 months
- Mandatory reporting of immersion events of children
Kelly has been proactive in media for Pool Safety in NSW and her dedication and courage is beyond words.
Jaise’s Law Media Releases
17th October 2012 – NSW Pool laws – Jaise’s Legacy
17th October 2012 – Hansard NSW Parliament Minister Don Page MP – Mentions Jaise’s Law ( para 6, Page 1)
10th October 2012 – Pool laws Mum’s fight – St Marys Star NSW
13th February 2012 – Mother continues to fight for son
15th January 2012 – NSW Government supported by families
1st December 2011 – Portable pool deaths traps for Christmas
7th November 2011 – Jaise’s Law – Letter to State Parliament
25th October 2011 – Calls for Media Support for Pool Safety Campaign
24th October 2011 – Newcastle Herald – Jaise’s law campaign
3rd October 2011 – National Day Support and Campaigns
