“In our modern, distraction-laden lives, sparing a few moments to inspect your pool fence and gates is paramount. As responsible pool owners, this should be a routine, done several times a year at the very least. Schedule it annually without fail; there's no excuse to overlook something so crucial. It could be the difference between life and tragedy. Prioritise this task over your phone scrolling and become a vigilant 'pool check mate' Laurie Lawrence Check Your Pool Gate Ambassador and Founder Kids Alive Do The Five water safety education program.
Laughter, Bombs, Marco Polo, lemonade ice blocks, sunburn, lying on the hot concrete, wrinkled fingers. We can all remember those long summer days in the family pool as a child. A happy place where favourite childhood memories are made. Yet the home swimming pool is identified as one of the dangerous areas for our children. 52% of all drownings in Australia happen in swimming pools.
16 children died last year alone. Supervision is a vital when children are in the water, yet our research revealed over 50% of parents have left kids unsupervised to do simple chores or to get a towel or some food. Those few moments we think don’t matter could be the difference between life and death. We want everyone to have a fun safe summer! Download our Safe Summer Guide to learn what you need to check to ensure your pool area is safe and ready for family and friends.
The latest in gate technology provides no excuses to have an unsafe pool environment. D&D Technologies was founded on the invention of the world’s leading and highly awarded pool safety latch, MagnaLatch® in 1989. Our TruClose® self-closing polymer safety gate hinges can also be found everywhere safety and protection is paramount. D&D Technologies is committed to preventing toddler drownings worldwide and we work closely with water safety organisations globally. D&D has been the recipient of three Australian Design Awards, a Good Design Award, and two Australian Design Marks for its range of gate latches, locks, and hinges. We’re proud to have a long and close association with Laurie Lawrence, a former Australian Olympic Swimming Coach, and champion of the drowning awareness program, Kids Alive.
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.”
D&D’s gate safety products can be purchased through hardware stores, fencing distributors, locksmiths and pool supplies outlets throughout Australia and New Zealand. They are the preferred choice of certified pool-compliant officers nationwide.
To browse our range of pool safety products, click the link below:
