Tips for toddlers

Ten children between the ages of 3 and 5 years drown every year in Australia. Almost 50% of all drowning deaths occur in home swimming pools. Boys in this age group are twice as likely to drown than girls. Restricting access to water, particularly in homes with swimming pools or easy access to water is vital. Correctly install and regularly maintain pool fencing and create a safe play area near the home. These years are a good time to enrol in learn-to-swim classes. Actions to prevent your 3 to 5-year-old from drowning include:

• always actively supervise children around water.

• supervising adults should always be within arm’s reach of the child in and around water.

• ensure your pool fence is correctly installed, regularly maintained and the gate is never left open.

• create a safe play area to restrict a child’s access to water around the home.

• enrol your child in water familiarisation lessons and learn-to-swim classes.

• establish simple rules such as no going near water without an adult.

• learn CPR. Enrol in a course or update your skills.

To learn more, visit the Royal Life Saving Australia website (www.royallifesaving.com.au) and click on the Keep Watch program button.