• Product safety recall for various pool gate latches made by Aristo Glass Products
• The faulty gate latches may not latch properly and pose a drowning risk for children
• Consumers are reminded that pool safety is an all-year-round issue

Building and Energy is alerting consumers about a recall of several faulty latches that may fail to securely shut swimming pool gates, creating a drowning risk for children.

The recalled pool gate latches were made by Aristo Glass Products and installed by a number of glass fencing retailers. Consumers at high risk of having these faulty latches would have had their pool fence installed between 1 August 2021 and 3 March 2022.

The latches can be easily identified by the ‘A’ logo on its plastic cover, and have guide tabs on two sides of the engagement pin.

The models include SLP2011 - 180° Glass to Glass Latch, SLP2012 – Glass to Wall Latch, SLP2013 - 90° Outswing Glass to Glass Latch, SLP2014 - 90° Inswing Glass to Glass Latch, SLP2015 – Glass to Round Post Latch, and SLP2007 - 135° Glass to Glass Latch.

The recall notice, published on the Product Safety Australia website, advises that the gate latch guide tabs may break, which can lead to the gate remaining unlatched and ineffective in restricting children from entering a pool or spa area.

Consumers should contact Aristo Glass Products Pty Ltd on 08 9418 8914 or email admin@aristogroup.com.au for a replacement latch.

Even if the gate latch seems to be working properly, consumers should replace the recalled models anyway.

Drowning is a leading cause of preventable death in the under-five age group, with swimming pool gates being a high-risk access point. According to the Royal Life Saving Society Western Australia’s 10-year analysis of toddler drownings, the majority of children who drowned in private swimming pools gained access through the pool gate.

Additionally, an Ombudsman WA report found that problems with gate latches were the top reason for non-compliance of swimming pool barriers.

“Gates are known to be the most critical area of a pool barrier, and a faulty latch can put lives at risk,” Building and Energy Acting Executive Director Sandy Randall said.

“If you have one of these faulty latch gates we recommend you secure the gate until a replacement is installed.

“While there is no substitute for active adult supervision of children near water, consumers should constantly be checking the operation and condition of their pool barriers.”

This recall is a reminder that pool safety is an all year round issue. Consumers can refer to Building and Energy’s pool safety barrier checklist and its Rules for Pools and Spas booklet to ensure their barriers comply. The Building and Energy website (dmirs.wa.gov.au) contains additional guidance on pool safety barriers.

For more information on the product safety recall visit the Product Safety Australia website.

Media contact: BEMedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au

Reports referenced:

• 10 year analysis of drowning in toddlers aged 0-4 years in Western Australia 2003/04 to 2012/13 (Royal Life Saving Society WA)
• Investigation into ways to prevent or reduce deaths of children by drowning (Ombudsman WA Nov. 2017)