Children and Water Safety

Each summer in Australia it seems that we tragically hear about children drowning in swimming pools, dams or at the beach. Here are some tips to help prevent this occurrence.

To reduce the risk of your child drowning in the backyard pool:

• Install a fence – pool fencing is required by law for any swimming pool or spa in excess of 300 mm (30 cm) in depth – and it must be maintained for the life of the pool or spa. Pool fencing must comply with the Australian Standard AS1926. The local council can provide information on pool fencing laws.
• Regularly check that the safety latch on the gate is in good working order.
• Clear surrounding area – don’t leave any items or equipment close to the pool fence that would allow your child to climb up and over the fence.
• Pack toys away – don’t leave floating toys in the pool or your child may try to reach for them.
• Tip out water – empty wading pools immediately after use.
• Check your surroundings – when visiting other people’s houses, ask whether or not the owners have a pool, spa, pond or other body of exposed water on their land.

Water safety at dams and waterways: Suggestions for reducing the risks of your child drowning in dams and other waterways include:

• Supervise your child around waterways.
• Warn your child of the dangers of swimming in dams and rivers.
• Make sure you have a safe play area for your child well away from any dam or waterway.

Water safety at the public swimming pool:
Suggestions for reducing the risk of your child drowning in a public swimming pool include:

• Supervise your child at all times.
• Children under five years must be within arm’s reach at all times and children under 10 years must always be in your sight.
• The supervision of children in aquatic facilities is not the sole responsibility of lifeguards.
• Lifeguards are employed on a 1:100 ratio. This is based on the expectation that parents will provide direct supervision of children.
• Parents ae required to provide the constant and direct supervision needed for young children.

Water safety at the beach:
Suggestions for reducing the risks of your child drowning at the beach include:

• Supervise your child at all times.
• Don’t assume that a beach that was safe in the past is safe now, since the action of waves, weather and wind can influence depth and rips.
• Only take your child to beaches with lifesaving patrols.
• Make sure you and your child swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Teach your child what to do if they get into trouble: remain calm, float and raise an arm to signal for help from a lifesaver or lifeguard.

• Topics:

• Living and Lifestyle
• Water Safety