Monday, 29 September 2014 11:59
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for Australian children under 5 years of age. Every year in Victoria, approximately 4 children aged 0-4 years drown and a further 40 children are hospitalised due to non fatal drowning incidents. Backyard pools are the most common location where these incidents occur.
Left: Sholem and Mikhayla
with Craig Ondarchie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier,
at the
official launch of 'Closing the Gate on Backyard Pool Drownings' this morning.
Craig Ondarchie MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, officially launched the campaign headed by Kidsafe Victoria, and was joined by Dr Adam West, Director of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Monash Emergency, Monash Health, and a number of key organisations and industry groups.
Mr Ondarchie said, "The tragedy of a drowning or near drowning can have a lifetime impact on family and friends. For every drowning death involving a child aged 0-4 years in Victoria, there are approximately ten non fatal drownings, which can result in a child receiving permanent brain damage."
"Children drown quickly and quietly. We urge all parents with pools or visiting homes with pools or spas to make sure they maintain constant supervision of their children around water."
"Today we are urging all swimming pool owners to thoroughly check their pool barriers and gates and importantly take action to immediately repair any faults, to help ensure their pools and spas are safe."
Campaign partners and
supporters at the launch of 'Closing the Gate on Backyard Pool Drownings'
this
morning in the Parliament House Parliamentary Gardens.
Robert Caulfield, Vice President of Kidsafe Victoria said, "Studies have shown pool fencing, particularly isolation fencing, to be effective in reducing the risk of drowning. However, evidence suggests that a large number of child drowning incidents occur as a result of pool fencing that is faulty or non-compliant with Australian Standards.
"All pool and spa fencing will experience exposure to extremes of weather and wear and tear over time including rust, missing bolts or screws and damage. Therefore it is important that it is regularly checked and maintained."
Life Saving Online Kidsafe Resources for Pool Owners
The campaign calls
for all pool and spa owners to visit www.kidsafevic.com.au/water-safety/pool-fence-safety
and utilise the online home pool safety assessment tool, developed by Life Saving
Victoria, to check the safety of their pool areas.
Key
Campaign Message
'Daylight isn't the only thing you can save this October
5th.
Check the safety of your pool fence before your child does.'
Media
Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile: 0417
329 201