Following a recent radio interview featuring the Samuel Morris Foundation Amanda Newton contacted the Foundation to share her families story of discovering a faulty pool gate, this is her story:
“I was listening to Michael on the ABC this morning. I am very sad to hear your story. I have two little boys, one 3 and the other 5. I am sharing our story of what happened with our relatively new 5 year oldt; pool fence gate last summer in the hope you might be able to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the locking mechanisms in hot weather – even on new fencing.
Upon exiting our pool area, I noticed that the gate didn’t make the usual clicking sound. When I pulled on the gate I noticed that it didn’t shut properly as the locking mechanism had swelled in the heat making the gate hard to click shut and it was sticking. This happened when it was very hot and only sometimes. I then raced out and bought a bike chain to go around the gate as well.
I wonder if some of the child drownings in very hot weather might be due to this issue. You know, the ones where they say the pool was fenced, the gate locked and no-one can figure out how they got in.
I called our local swimming pool supplies place and they sent around a fellow who looked at the lock and said that there was not enough room in between where the two plastic bits on the locking mechanism so on a hot day when the plastic swelled, the gate would not catch properly – hence gate not shutting. So, he took the pieces off, drilled new holes and ensured there was a healthy gap. We have the bike chain on at all times so we can look at the gate and know there are three controls, Us, the gate &; the bike chain. Thankfully I realised the problem before one of the kids did – even though they are not allowed in the backyard with out us.
Can you please somehow raise awareness of this as I am sure it could be happening to other people. Even if it saves one child…
Take care.
Amanda’s story clearly explains why vigilance is required, and how important it is to check your pool gates and fences regularly.
So why not go here homepoolsafety.com.au , download the checksheet, and MAKE THIS WEEKEND YOUR HOME POOL SAFETY WEEKEND!
If you find a fault like the one Amanda found, then why not contact your local POOLWERX people for assistance.
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