?> How To Check Your Pool Gate for a Safe Summer – Word Of Mouth Fencing

National Check Your Pool Gate Day

updated: December 1, 2020

Summer is coming and its time to Check Your Pool Gate.

Through his charity, Kids Alive, Laurie Lawrence, famous Australia swimming coach, is asking home owners to check their pool gate operation.  He’s chosen 1st December, the first day of summer, as “National Check Your Pool Gate Day”.

How to Check Your Pool Gate at Home

Steve Andreasen, pool fence installer and owner of Word of Mouth Fencing, released a video back in 2018 to support National Check Your Pool Gate Day.  In this video Steve demonstrates a quick and easy pool gate check all home owners can do.

Glass Soft Close Gate in Whale Beach

5 Simple Pool Gate Checks

  1. Your gate latch should be out of reach of small children. 1500mm above the ground.
  2. Your fence should not have big gaps – less than 100mm.
  3. NEVER EVER prop your gate opening.
  4. Your pool gate should self-close from any position.
  5. Your gate should latch automatically, and remain secure once closed.

If your gate does not meet these 5 checks, secure the gate closed, and get your pool gate serviced immediately.

Also, make sure the area around  your pool fence is clear.  Dont leave chairs, boxes or anything that could be used by a small child to climb over the fence.

Gates & Fences Prevent Toddler Drownings.

According to the latest annual Royal Life Saving Report on Drowning, released in September 2020, showed a decrease in drowning by 8% Year on Year last year.  This is great news. Drownings in the 0-4 years age group have also decreased by 50% over the last 10 years.  Gates and fences ARE helping save lives.

Back in 2017/2018 over 50% of toddler drownings involved faulty, propped open or even non-existent pool gates or fences.  This means we still need to be vigilant with pool safety.

With December and January the worst months for pool drownings, it’s time to get your pool gate checked.

“There is a link between pool fencing laws and rates of child drowning in pools. Areas of Australia with fewer exemptions from best practice fencing standards and more regular inspections experience fewer fatal drowning incidents.” Royal Life Saving

If you aren’t sure if your gate is operating correctly, contact Steve for a Pool Gate Service on 0414 347 345 today.

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