we first published this in the 2013.. In the National drowning report we have seen a sharp increase of drowning in the under 5 years age group, after several years of decline. Nationally, 31 under 5’s lost their lives in pools, dams and bathtubs. 61% drowned in swimming pools. In half of the cases, the child entered the pool because it was either un-fenced, the gate was faulty or the gate was left propped open. This statistic also means that the other half were able to access the pool with a fully compliant fence and gate. In ALL cases, the drowning would have been prevented with supervision. (Data sourced from Royal Life Saving http://royallifesaving.com.au )
I’m not suggesting that the only solution is “helicopter parenting” and wrapping them in “cotton wool”, but to know where they are, and watch the children – especially when near water – is essential. To put it in perspective: if there is a camp fire, or bonfire – we would supervise the children near it. We supervise the children near or on a road. All of these are dangerous, why would water be treated differently?
Unfortunately people still drown. It is preventable.
The Royal Life Saving Campaign for drowning prevention is:
- Supervise – A child can drown in the time it takes to answer
the door or telephone. Parents and carers must communicate and establish
responsibility for direct supervision of children at all times around water. - Familiarise – Helping a child to become familiar with water can
be fun for the whole family, and will assist everyone to develop skills in and
around the water. - Fence – A fence is an effective barrier between your child
and the water ( however it is not foolproof ). - Resuscitate – A child’s life may be saved if parents or carers
have the proper knowledge and skills to rescue and resuscitate quickly and
confidently.