It's not Just a Gate. It’s a Lifesaver: Check Your Pool Gate 2025

January 07, 2026

Welcome to another Aussie summer!
As the warmer months arrive and everyone heads to the water, it’s the perfect time to remind pool owners about the importance of safety. Your pool gate isn’t just a barrier—it’s a lifesaver and taking a few minutes now can prevent accidents before they happen.

The Beginnings of a Safety Initiative
D&D Technologies initiated this campaign to reduce pool-related accidents, especially among children under five. Since its inception in 2013, the program has worked alongside Laurie Lawrence, the renowned swimming coach and water safety advocate, and his Kids Alive – Do the Five program. Together, they aim to raise awareness about pool safety and save lives by encouraging vigilance around pool barriers.

December the 1^st marks the start of Check Your Pool Gate Month, a timely reminder for all pool owners to make safety a priority. A properly functioning gate with safety hardware can prevent accidents, keeping children safe around water.

Even small issues—a gate that doesn’t close properly, a latch that sticks, or worn hinges—can create a serious risk. We understand it can sometimes be tricky to know who to turn to for repairs or upgrades, which can leave these important fixes in the “too hard” basket. That’s why we work with trusted partners who can help with both inspections and any follow-up repairs or upgrades needed to ensure your pool gate is fully secure. Taking a few minutes to act now can make all the difference.

How to Check Your Pool Gate:
To make sure your pool gate is keeping your family safe, follow these simple steps:

• Check the self-closing mechanism: The gate should close automatically from any open position.
• Test the latch: Ensure it latches securely every time and cannot be easily opened by a young child.
• Inspect hinges and frame: Look for rust, wear, or damage that could affect gate function.
• Clear any obstacles: Remove toys, furniture, or plants that could prevent the gate from closing properly.
• Measure the gap: The space from or around the gate should not be larger than 100mm so as not to allow a child to squeeze through. 

The statistics underline why this is so important: 

While it’s encouraging that there has been a 21% decrease in drownings of young children compared with the 10-year average - thanks to legislation, pool fencing, and public awareness - every child’s safety matters.

Check Your Pool Gate Month is primarily about making sure your pool gate and fence are secure. Taking a few minutes to check your pool gate today can make all the difference tomorrow.

We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the many industry partners who help promote this campaign. Their support helps raise awareness about pool safety and contributes to safer communities across the country.

Remember, your pool gate isn’t just a gate—it’s a lifesaver. Check it, latch it, and keep your loved ones safe this summer.

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