Kidsafe
calls for increased parental awareness on water
safety
Kidsafe Victoria has called on increased parental
awareness on swimming and water safety following
a 16% jump in drowning in the 12 months to June
2009.
Dr
Mark Stokes, Victorian and National President
of Kidsafe said this year almost 60% of children
under five who drowned lost their lives in a backyard
swimming pools.
“Kidsafe
Victoria, who spearheaded the introduction of
compulsory pool fencing in Victoria a decade ago,
believes there is a need to renew an increased
awareness of pool owner’s responsibilities.
"It
is vital pool owners check and maintain pool fences
all year around to protect children from drowning
in swimming pools.”
Dr
Stokes said the main issue is that parents should
ensure children are supervised whilst using any
swimming pool or wading pool as young children
can sink and drown quickly in a few seconds.
“For
every young child who drowns, another three or
four will be admitted to hospital after a near-drowning
incident - some of these children will suffer
permanent brain damage.”
Kidsafe
Advice for Swimming Pools
Check
the safety barrier regularly -Your fence or
barrier needs to be checked regularly to ensure
that all gates, doors and windows with locking
properly. Also check and remove any climbing devices
nearby.
Always
supervise young children in and around water -
Keep your eyes on young children at all times.
Young children drown quickly and silently - even
in as little as a few centimetres of water.
Always
empty wading pools after each use and store upright.
Place
a cover or mesh over backyard ponds.
A
Home Water Safety Kidsafe Checklist is
available at www.kidsafe.com.au