Water Safety

Drowning continues to be one of the biggest killers of Australian children. Every year a number of children are killed and hundreds more are rescued from near drowning situations. It only takes 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water for a child to drown.

Why children are at risk Children are adventurous and enjoy exploring their environments. They are often attracted to water but have little understanding of the danger that it poses. The physical build of young children also places them at risk as they are ‘top heavy’ and prone to falling into water due to a lack of balance.

Drowning can occur quickly and silently – 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water is all it takes for a toddler to drown. It’s not only large bodies of water, such as pools and the beach that put children at risk; baths, ponds, buckets, eskies, pet’s drinking bowls and other small bodies of water are also drowning hazards.

Common causes –how and when

Children 0-4 years – Swimming pools are the most common location for toddler drownings making up 67% of all cases followed by bathtubs which account for 22%. Children falling into water account for 78% of drownings. Evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths in backyard pools are a result of pool barriers that are faulty or noncompliant with Australian standards and the absence of active adult supervision.

Children 5-14 years Lakes/dams/lagoons (22%), the beach (22%) and baths/spa baths (22%) were the most common locations for drowning among this age group. Swimming and recreation was the most common activity being undertaken at the time of the drowning incidents, accounting for 56% of all deaths in this age group. Under-estimating the strength of currents and
over-estimating swimming ability are common mistakes for this age group.

Key messages for prevention

Supervision:  Keep a constant watch on your children around the water and don’t be distracted by your phone. Active adult supervision involves focusing all of your attention on children at all times, when they are in, on or around the water. Do not expect older children to look after their younger siblings.

Children have short attention spans and can be easily distracted. Remain within arm’s reach of toddlers to ensure you can get to the child in time if something goes wrong. Older children still need to be supervised by an adult who is ready to enter the water in case of an emergency. Always take children with you if you leave the water area.

Reduce the hazard: Use safety barriers, such as pool barriers, to restrict access to water. Remove hazards such as pot plants and chairs from pool barriers to prevent children climbing on to them and over the barrier. Do not prop any doors or gates open as this may allow children access to a body of water. Create a safe play area to separate children from bodies of water such as swimming pools and dams. This is especially important on farms and larger properties as very young children have been known to follow family pets to water over very long distances. Regularly inspect and maintain your pool barrier and gate to ensure that it is working properly. Weather conditions and general wear and tear can affect the performance of your pool barrier.

Knowledge/water awareness Water familiarisation lessons can assist in teaching children to swim while also helping them understand water safety.

Resuscitation Learn CPR and update your skills regularly so that you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Resuscitation posters are a good reminder to keep around pools and spas

For more information see:
– kidsafe.com.au/water-safety/
– www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/Pages/resources/be-water-safe-not-sorry.aspx
– https://www.watersafety.vic.gov.au/

Article Source – Kidsafe (2019). View the Drowning Fact Sheet.