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Drowning remains a significant concern for families across Australia, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 236,000 people lost their lives to drowning globally in 2019, many of whom were children. In Australia alone, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under five years of age. There were 968 drowning incidents recorded in 2020-21, of which 294 were fatal. With access to a variety of water bodies—from beaches and pools to lakes and rivers—it's crucial for parents to prioritize water safety. This article provides essential tips and strategies to ensure your child's safety around water, helping to create a secure environment where they can enjoy aquatic activities without risk.
Supervision: As a mother this is my number one priority, always keep a constant watch on your children when they are in or near water. Avoid distractions, such as mobile phones.
Learn to Swim: Enroll children in formal swimming lessons to enhance their skills and confidence in the water.
Use Safety Barriers: Children are adventurous and enjoy exploring their environments and the best way to keep them safe is to ensure that pools and any bodies of water are surrounded by secure fencing and gates to restrict access.
Educate on Risks: Teach children about the dangers of various water environments, including pools, bathtubs, and natural bodies of water.
Always Wear Life Jackets: Ensure children wear life jackets in open water, regardless of their swimming ability.
Reusable swimming nappies:designed to keep baby’s poo contained during swim time while allowing liquids to pass into the water.
Start Early: Introduce your babies to water gradually, using bath time as an opportunity for sensory exploration.
Use Play: Engage your children in fun water activities that promote familiarity, such as playing games or using toys in the water.
Formal Lessons: If possible enroll kids in swimming classes to provide structured learning and essential skills.
Supervise Bath Time: Never leave your children alone in the bath, even for a moment. Drowning can occur in just a few centimeters of water.
Install Pool Fences: A compliant fence should surround any pool, and gates must be self-closing and self-latching
Remove Hazards: Keep toys, chairs, and other items away from pool barriers to prevent climbing.
Use Non-Slip Mats:Place non-slip mats around bathtubs and showers to minimize slip hazards.
Check for Hidden Hazards: Look out for submerged objects, sudden drop-offs, and fast currents.
Avoid having a child running around water: They love to run around! I know, however running near these water sources can lead to falls and accidents.
Be Aware of Wildlife: Kids are curious, teach them about potential hazards from animals that might inhabit these areas.
Swim Between the Flags: Always swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present. take a moment to show your children where the designated areas are.
Know the Environment: Educate kids about rip currents, tides, and local wildlife.
Supervise Closely: Always keep an eye on children, especially in crowded areas.
No parent wants to see their child suffering and not being able to help, that's why knowing CPR can be lifesaving in emergencies and can empower you as a parent to advocate for your child. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, and every second counts. Parents should be equipped with CPR training to respond effectively if an accident occurs. Courses are widely available through community organizations and health services, providing valuable skills that can protect your child.
This strategy has shown promising results, with drowning rates declining significantly over the past decade, but ongoing commitment is necessary to achieve the goal of reducing drowning by 50% by 2030.
Australia has a long-standing commitment to water safety, and the government plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of drowning and water-related accidents. Through various programs, funding, and partnerships with water safety organizations, the government aims to protect citizens, particularly children, and ensure that everyone has access to the education and resources needed to stay safe around water. Here are some key government initiatives focused on water safety across the country:Active and Creative Kids is a Government program that helps families across Australia to meet the cost of getting their school-aged children into sport, recreational, creative or cultural activities, such as swimming lessons. These are the different initiatives around Australia:
In a country like Australia, where water activities are a cherished part of life, understanding and prioritizing water safety is paramount. Check my blog Swimming with Kids to find out more tips to enjoy swimming with your little ones. With drowning being a leading cause of accidental death for children, the statistics serve as a sobering reminder of the risks involved. By implementing essential water safety tips, educating your children about safe behaviors around water, and ensuring proper supervision, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Every parent has the power to make a difference. Take the time to enroll your children in swimming lessons, familiarize them with water safety rules, and learn CPR. Together, we can create a safer environment for our kids to enjoy water activities.
Join the movement toward water safety! Start today by discussing water safety rules with your children and incorporating safe practices into your family’s routine. Let’s work together to ensure every child can thrive in and around water—because safety is a shared responsibility.
