Local residents are reminded all private swimming pools need an enclosed fence with self-latching gates..

"Basically backyard pools... any body of water on a private residence that's over 24 inches deep, that's what we're talking about," MSTW Planning District General Manager Glen Wieler explains.

He notes it's the responsibility of the owner to either build a fence around their yard or enclose just the pool area with a fence.

An incident of a toddler wandering into a neighbour's backyard and drowning in a pool in B.C this summer has brought the issue to a head. "The last thing anyone wants is an incident in their pool," Wieler says.

While MSTW staff won't be patrolling their member communities (Morden, RM of Stanley, RM of Thompson and Winkler) for infractions, he says they will investigate if they receive a complaint.

"But MSTW won't be knocking on doors," he says.

To learn more about the building codes in regards to private pools, go here.