Monday, 03 December 2012 13:09
Between July 2011 and June 2012, 21 children aged 0-4 years drowned in Australia.
The latest statistics show that over a quarter of all toddler drowning incidents occur in swimming pools.Robert Caulfield, President of Kidsafe Victoria, said "Children drown quickly and silently - 20 seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown. We are urging all parents and carers to ensure that they actively supervise children around water, whether you are at home or visiting friends and relatives".
Mr. Caulfield highlighted the importance of having a designated adult to supervise children, especially at parties and gatherings, where people can become easily distracted.
Kidsafe Victoria's pool safety tips:Mr. Caulfield said "Near drowning incidents can also have a lifetime impact on families; for every drowning death there are many more near drowning incidents which can result in a child receiving permanent brain damage and disability".
Kidsafe Victoria encourages all parents and carers to conduct a safety audit of their home pools, and when on holidays to assess the safety of pools, rivers, dams or streams nearby.
For more information and to view Kidsafe Victoria's free water safety fact sheet, please visit http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/images/stories/pdfs/factsheet_Water_Safety.pdf
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329 201