Inquest reveals unsafe fencing at rented pool where toddler drowned

The coroner's inquest into the death of a 19-month-old boy who drowned at a rented property in Salisbury, north of Adelaide, has uncovered serious safety deficiencies in the backyard pool. Deputy State Coroner Emma Roper heard that the pool, probably constructed before 1972, was not subject to the current pool-fencing approval regime, leaving it "grand-fathered" under older rules. Witnesses said the gate was usually closed, yet it was open when the child was discovered floating near the steps, and the gate was missing its top hinge despite a bicycle lock being used.

Council inspector Jeff Shillabeer identified a gap of more than 10 cm under the fence and nearby climbable items such as a rabbit hutch and a brick barbecue. After being rescued, the child was taken to the Women's and Children’s Hospital but died a week later from brain injury. The coroner is now considering whether stricter inspection rules for older, rented pools are needed.