Child Pool Safety
posted : 02/Nov/2018
Living in the sunshine state is a beautiful place to be. We are so lucky to be able to splash around and take the opportunity to go swimming almost six months out of the year. And for many people, swimming is a fun, regular activity that unites children, family and friends during the warmer months. However, it is not only fun and games that happen by the poolside, sadly, there are too many instances whereby a swimming pool becomes a danger zone for young children.
Child Drowning Trends
The Queensland Family & Child Commission reported that an average of 10 children under 5 years of age drown in Queensland each year, and a large percentage of those drownings happen in backyard swimming pools. This is such an alarming statistic and something that can be prevented.
You may have heard that child drownings have been described as the ‘silent killer’, this is because there is often no splashing or noise to alert anybody that the child is in danger.
With this in mind, and the arrival of swimming season, AppleBerries Early Education Service has provided some pool safety measures that could one day save a life and prevent a child drowning after all, it only takes a few seconds for a child to be in danger of drowning.
Child Pool Safety Tips
- Ensure that your swimming pool meets the legal requirements and the fencing is closed at all times.
- Keep a close watch on children at all times when in or around the pool area, regardless of their swimming ability.
- Never leave your child without adult supervision near a swimming pool, even for a split second.
- When in the water, keep your child in arms reach.
- Remove toys from in and around the pool to prevent the temptation of playing near the pool edge.
- Fit your child with an appropriate floating device such as a life vest.
- Familiarise your children with water and set clear boundaries and rules.
- Lead by example, and always demonstrate responsible and safe behaviour when in the water.
- Learn how to perform CPR, this is a lifelong skill.
- Enrol your child into swimming lessons.
It is so important to practice safe swimming and ensure that when your child is in an environment where water is near by that you keep a watchful eye on your little one at all times.
Helpful links and other pool safety tips:
Royal Life Saving Society have a great home pool safety checklist to eliminate child drownings. They also have a great Swim and Survive initiative that has lots more helpful tips and safety guidelines.
Library Home