Local kids learning to stay safe
With recent temperatures creeping above forty degrees many people are cooling off in pools and waterways so it’s an important reminder to remain vigilant and swim safe this summer.
According to the annual national drowning report, the number of Australian children who drowned last year has risen by 48% with a large number of those being children under the age of 5.
81% of child drowning’s were a result of children falling into water.
It was argued a lack of adult supervision was a major cause. In half the cases, pools were not properly fenced.
The report also found that most toddlers and pre-schoolers drown in swimming pools; while children aged 5 to 14 are more likely to drown in oceans, lakes or rivers. The greatest risk to babies was being unsupervised in the bath tub.
The Royal Life Saving Society has been running its annual intensive ‘Swim and Survive’ program at the Canowindra Swimming pool over the last few weeks, with many local children participating in the program, designed for children aged 6 months to 14 years.
Drowning is a common cause of preventable death in children under the age of five years and for each child that dies from drowning another three are hospitalised. There are four actions you can take to prevent your child from drowning:
Active Supervision: when your children is in or around water, ensure they are within arm’s reach and give them your undivided attention.
Restrict Access: Ensure there is an effective barrier between your child and water.
Learn Resuscitation: if the unthinkable happens, be prepared to respond. Enrol in a resuscitation course and update your skills annually.
Water Familiarisation: Swimming is a life skill. Enrol your children in swimming lessons from an early age to prepare them for a lifetime of safety.
By Staci Watson