Check Your Pool Gate Month: It’s Not Just a Gate, It’s a Lifesaver
May 18, 2026
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages one to four years, with an average of 11 fatal and 22 non-fatal drownings per day. Additionally, 70% of child drownings occur during non-swim times. Children's natural curiosity often leads them to backyard swimming pools, and most children that drown gain access to the pool through a faulty fence or gate. To help reduce the risk of child drowning the National Drowning Prevention Alliance has developed five layers of protection.
The first and most important layer is a barrier that limits access to the pool and an alarm to alert you if someone enters the pool area unexpectedly. Fencing provides a constant barrier, but the fence is only effective if the gate and gate hardware are in good working order. Checking the pool gate is crucial for drowning prevention, yet only 30% of pool owners do this once a year. To raise awareness of the issue and provide education on how to check and maintain a pool gate, D&D Technologies along with the NDPA established Check Your Pool Gate Month, which started on May 1.
Check Your Pool Gate Month reminds pool owners to take one simple action that could save a child’s life — check the pool gate to ensure the pool fence, gate, latch and hinges are secure and working properly, with the aim to reduce child drownings by making it harder for them to access the pool. For every child that drowns, another seven experience a non-fatal drowning, and 40% of these children require further care. A few minutes is all it takes to check a pool fence and gate, because it’s not just a gate. It’s a lifesaver.
Safety Checklist for Pool Gates
Gate should open outwards, away from the pool
Gate latch release knob should be out of reach of children under five. (check local codes/standards from minimum requirements)
Fence should be at a minimum height to comply with your region and encompass the pool area. (check local codes/standards for minimum requirements)
Maximum clearance from finished ground surface is no more than 4 inches (100mm)
Fence perimeter must have adequate distance from other climbable objects or structures
Gate must be self-closing and self-latching
Gate hinges are reliable, self-closing, tension-adjustable, rust free and bind free
Gate latch must be adjustable for height and width
Gate latch cannot be key locked in the “open” position
Gate latch cannot be opened using implements or force
Gate will shut and latch securely from any position, including from resting on the latching mechanism
Gate complies with all relevant United States Codes/Standards and legislation for pool safety
D&D is the exclusive gate hardware company to receive the NDPA’s Platinum Seal in the Pool Gates, Latches and Hinges category. The Commitment to Safer Waters (CSW) Seal Program is designed to identify and recognize companies and organizations that demonstrate a clear, measurable and ongoing dedication to water safety and drowning prevention.
Pool and spa professionals can further support the ‘Check Your Pool Gate Month’ campaign by following D&D’s social media platforms and sharing the posts.
Use the links below for more information on pool safety and compliance:
