This summer, it only takes a few minutes to potentially save a life.
The MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Report 2025 shows that nearly half of Australian pool owners haven’t checked their pool gate in more than six months and many admit they simply forget. It’s a small job that could make all the difference.
As Summer gets into full swing and families flock to the backyard pool to cool off, Check Your Pool Gate Month is here to remind us that safety starts with one simple action – check your gate. Because it’s not just a gate, it’s a lifesaver.
50% of pool owners are unsure if their gate would pass a safety inspection.
36% haven’t checked their gate in over six months.
46% admit they simply forget to check.
30% have left their gate open or propped open
The MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Report 2025 has revealed that many families simply aren’t checking their pool gates, with one in five (21%) unsure what to look for.
Even more concerning, around a third of families have at some point left their gate open when cleaning the pool or when lots of people are using the pool.
A secure gate is the first line of defence in preventing drownings. And the reality is most drownings in under fives happen in a backyard pool so it pays to be vigilant.
Check Your Pool Gate Month is the annual reminder to all pool owners to check the gate works properly and meets safety standards. It’s all about protecting those most dear to you.
Check local pool gate rules and certified inspectors in your area.
• NSW
• VICTORIA
• ACT
• QUEENSLAND
• TASMANIA
• SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• NT
• NEW ZEALAND
MAKE THIS SUMMER SAFE
Join thousands of Aussie pool owners taking action this season.
Take two minutes to check your pool gate today:
✔ Make sure it self-closes and self-latches from any open position.
✔ Ensure it can’t be pulled open by a small child.
✔ Repair or replace worn hinges or faulty latches immediately.
✔ Actively supervise children by keeping them in arms reach.
Only 15% of families talk about pool safety let’s change that and help make every Australian pool a safer place because
It’s not just a gate. It’s a lifesaver.
Laurie Lawrence, founder of Kids Alive and ambassador for Check Your Pool Gate Month, says the findings show too many Australians are putting lives at risk through inaction. “We’ve made great progress in drowning prevention, but we can’t afford to relax.” “A faulty or open gate can be just as dangerous as leaving a child unsupervised in the pool. It’s not just a gate. It’s a lifesaver.”
POOL SAFETY IS OUR PASSION
For more than 35 years, D&D Technologies has been a world leader in pool safety, setting the standard with our award-winning MagnaLatch® and TruClose® self-closing hinges. Proudly Australian-made and trusted worldwide, our products protect what matters most.
We’re proud to partner with Laurie Lawrence and the Kids Alive water safety program, working together to help prevent drownings and spread the message that safe gates save lives.
“It only takes a moment for tragedy to strike,” says Laurie.
“Checking your gate might be the smallest job on your list, but it’s one of the most important.”
Suzie Vurmeulen knows how important backyard safety is after she had to rescue her daughters Allie 4 and Sophie 2 from the pool after they gained access by climbing the fence.
Her fence met regulations but did not have a lockable latch at the time. If not for her motherly instincts kicking in when the children were too quiet the outcome may have been different. “I raced to the pool and my little one Sophie was in the water, she wouldn’t have been in for more than 30 seconds but it felt like an eternity before I got to them. I asked my older daughter how they got into the pool area, and she showed me how she climbed up the gate, lifted the latch and then asked Sophie to push the gate open. Very dangerous teamwork between two very clever toddlers! We upgraded to a lockable latch after that so I have peace of mind when they play in the backyard.”
