Tara Murray
Kidsafe Victoria is urging parents and carers to actively supervise children around water in a bid to reduce the number of drowning deaths on the back of Victoria’s worst childhood drowning toll in more than 20 years.
Research into fatal toddler drowning incidents conducted by UNSW Sydney, James Cook University and Royal Life Saving Australia, found that household chores – everyday tasks such as checking on dinner, taking the out the rubbish or putting the washing out – were the most common distractions which led to lapses in supervision of children around water (41 per cent). This was followed by talking or socialising (11 per cent) and electronic distractions (9 pre cent).
Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers highlights how quickly toddlers can get into trouble around water.
“Toddlers are naturally curious and love water, yet they don’t understand the dangers it can pose. A split second is all it takes for a child to gain unsupervised access to the water area and 20 seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown,” said Mr Chambers.
Despite significant reductions in toddler drowning deaths over time, drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under five years of age.
Kidsafe Victoria recommends designating supervisors so there is no miscommunication over who is keeping watch of children around water.
“At social gatherings such as BBQs and pool parties, there are lots of adults around and it can be easy to assume that someone else is actively supervising the kids, when in fact, nobody is,” said Mr Chambers.
“For toddlers, active adult supervision means keeping them within arm’s reach at all times around water, without any distractions.”
“To help make sure children are actively supervised at all times, we recommend appointing designated supervisors whose role it is to supervise children in and around the pool. “Rotating this role throughout the day ensures everyone gets a chance to enjoy the festivities.”
Along with active adult supervision, compliant pool and spa barriers play an important role in keeping toddlers safe.
Mel Anderson knows just how quickly and silently drowning can happen as she almost lost her 10-month-old son while at a Christmas family barbeque. She has shared her story in a new video titled ‘Through My Eyes’ which has been released as part of Kidsafe Victoria’s annual ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ backyard pool safety campaign.
“One second Matt was playing on the ground at my feet and the next, as there was no pool fence to prevent him crawling over to the pool, he fell silently into the water. I felt sick – I thought he was gone,” said Ms Anderson.
“Thankfully, my Dad had just completed a first aid course the week before and started performing CPR straight away. I’m told it was the difference between life and death for my son. I am so grateful that he is still here with me but the after effects of that day still traumatise me.
“I’m sharing my story so others don’t have to live it.”
