Monday, 13 January 2014 13:32
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Melanie Courtney, Executive Officer of Kidsafe Victoria said, "For families with backyard pools, it's important that children wait until there is an adult present before going for a dip. It's also not appropriate for older children to be left to care for younger siblings/ cousins/ friends in the pool.
"Children can drown silently in just 20 seconds- it only takes a few centimetres of water. We are urging all parents with pools or visiting homes with pools or spas to make sure that an adult maintains constant supervision of their children near water," said Ms Courtney.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for Australian children under 5 years of age. Statistics released earlier this year from Life Saving Victoria, show that during the 12 month period from July 2012 - June 2013, 3 Victorian children aged 0-4 years drowned in backyard swimming pools.
Water safety tips:Media
Enquiries:
Ron Smith,
Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329 201