The weather has warmed up, and summer officially kicks off this week - with it comes a timely reminder about water safety.

Alarmingly, almost half of Australian pool owners are unsure whether their pool gate would pass a safety inspection, with new research showing a worrying drop in vigilance as peak drowning season begins.

Released as part of Check Your Pool Gate Month, the latest MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Report reveals widespread complacency among pool owners.

Nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) admit they haven’t checked the latch or hinges on their pool gate for six months or more, while 41 per cent say they simply don’t think about it.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) say they “don’t have time,” and 21 per cent don’t know what to look for.

The report was produced in partnership with Kids Alive, a national water safety program that educates the public on five key steps to prevent childhood drowning.

It also found that almost a third (30 per cent) of families have left their pool gate open while cleaning or entertaining - a major risk factor during summer.

Kids Alive founder Laurie Lawrence said the findings highlight just how critical regular checks are.

“The very latest Pool Safety Report reveals almost half of pool owners are unsure if their pool gate would pass a safety inspection,” Mr Lawrence said.

There is no place for complacency around pools, yet recent research suggests pool gates need more attention.

“Worryingly, almost a third of Aussie families have left the pool gate open when cleaning or entertaining.”

One in three families surveyed believe pool owners should get an official safety inspection - something Mr Lawrence applauds - but he said there are simple steps every household can take today.

“We certainly encourage inspections, but there are still things people can do themselves to ensure their pool gates are safer,” Mr Lawrence said.

“Make sure the gate self-closes and the latch clicks shut securely from any open position.

"Check for wear, rust or alignment issues, because that could prevent the latch from working properly.

"And lastly, never prop the gate open under any circumstances.”

The research also revealed that 69 per cent of Australians wouldn’t know how to fix or upgrade their pool gate or fence if it didn’t meet safety standards, and only 15 per cent talk about pool safety regularly with family or friends.

More than a third cannot recall when they last received a pool safety compliance certificate, with 13 per cent admitting they haven’t had one since the pool was first installed.

With summer temperatures rising and backyard pools becoming a daily staple, Lawrence said now is the time for households to act.

“Check Your Pool Gate Month encourages Australians to take a few minutes to inspect their pool gates, upgrade the security of their gate hardware, and ensure everything is working correctly to provide the utmost safety for their family,” he said.

“The campaign is all about raising awareness for the importance of regular safety checks and proper gate maintenance.

"Ultimately, it’s about saving kids’ lives.”

A full pool safety checklist and simple inspection steps are available here.