Water safety

Shocking fact – a child can drown in just a few centimetres of water, in a very short space of time. Supervision is always required around water.

Another shocker – drowning is the 3^rd highest cause of death in children under the age of 5.

Around a pool

• Always maintain constant visual contact while your child is in the water.
• Older children should not be left to supervise younger siblings.
• Familiarise your child with water – take your child to infant aquatics classes so they can develop water confidence.
• Fence your pool – a pool fence is essential as a barrier between the water and your child.
• Inflatable toys are not life saving devices and do not keep your child safe.
• Ensure there are no power lines or other electrical equipment near or around the pool or swimming area.
• Check that the depth of the water is marked and be careful when jumping or diving into water.
• At parties and gatherings nominate a person to be the designated child watcher, so there is no confusion. If that person leaves, they must nominate someone else.
• Don’t leave paddling pools in the garden.
• Never leave a child alone around your pool, even for a few minutes to answer the phone etc.
• Never allow yourself to be distracted while watching children around the pool.
• Learn to perform child CPR – lives can be saved by immediate, effective First Aid.
• As soon as your child is old enough, swimming lessons are a must.

In the bathroom

• Keep the bathroom door shut. If it has a lock, ensure you can open this from both sides. Remove the key from the door after you’ve locked it. Hang on the top of the doorframe – out of reach of little hands.
• Remember to lower the toilet seats. There are toilet seat guards available at hardware stores.
• Never leave your children unattended in the bath.
• Even bath seats require constant supervision.
• Don’t use a bath on a stand once your baby can stand up.
• Use a non-slip mat in the bath and on the floor.
• Turn your hot water down to a maximum of 50ºC or less.
• Always place cold water in the bath first and test before using.
• Always empty the bath when done.
• Lock away all medicines. Lock all cleaning products away. Install child locks on medicine cupboards. Also store razors and other hazardous products out of reach.
• Cover diaper bucket with a secure lid and keep the bathroom door closed.
• Make sure that the shower door is made of safety glass.
• Avoid using detachable toilet cleaners in the toilet bowl.
• Never use electrical equipment in the bathroom.