This holiday season let’s create memories that last a lifetime – for all the right reasons. Summer is the time for fun in the sun with family and friends. For exploring new places and taking a dip to cool off but with the excitement of summer comes a serious reminder: pool safety can never take a vacation. The MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Report 2024 highlights a stark reality—87% of parents are concerned about pool safety when on holidays, yet also admit supervision lapses when the relaxation sets in leaving children vulnerable. Tragically, a 16% rise in drownings last year highlights the urgency for vigilance and for families and pool owners to get serious about safety.
21% of families have experienced a pool-related emergency.
87% of those involved children.
53% of incidents were due to lapses in supervision.
Always stay within reach of kids when they’re in the pool.
20% of pool owners haven’t updated gate safety hardware in over five years. Check your gate safety today!
28% of pool emergencies are caused by gates left propped open.
Always ensure gates function and securely close.
D&D Technologies has been a global leader in pool safety for the past 35 years since inventing the award-winning MagnaLatch® in 1989. Our products, including TruClose® self-closing hinges, are trusted worldwide to protect what matters most. The creation of our products has set the safety standards for pools that are now legislated across Australia. We are proud to partner with Laurie Lawrence and the Kids Alive water safety program, working tirelessly to prevent drownings and spread life-saving pool gate safety awareness.
Join the 45% of pool owners updating their gate safety features in the past year, there’s no reason to delay. Remember: Safe Gates Help Save Lives.
As summer approaches, ensure your pool is a haven of fun and safety.
Download our Pool Gate Safety Checklist with all the regulations to make this holiday season memorable for all the right reasons.
Laurie Lawrence, Kids Alive Founder and Check Your Pool Gate Ambassador, urges parents to stay alert even during the festive season: “Holidays are a time for joy, not tragedy. Active supervision is a must—always be within arm’s reach of your children whenever they’re near water.” A secure pool gate is your first line of defence. Yet research shows 28% of incidents occur because gates are left propped open. Don’t take chances — Check your pool gate today!
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.”
