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.

• Never take your eyes off children around water; if you have to leave the water area for any reason, take the children with you.
• Appoint an adult as a designated supervisor; never leave toddlers in the care of older children.
• When you are supervising toddlers, ensure that you are within arms' reach at all times.
• Ensure that your pool safety barrier is secure and in good condition with no loose panels, holes and rusted or missing screws.
• Ensure that your pool gate is in proper working order; the gate must open outward from the pool and must be self closing and self latching.
• Never prop the pool gate open, this allows children easy and often unsupervised access to the pool area.
• Learn CPR and update your skills regularly. Resuscitation posters are a good reminder to be kept near pools.

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