Parents and caregivers are being urged to remain watchful this summer following a series of drowning incidents that have seen multiple children admitted to hospital, including one tragic death.
So far this year in South Australia, 10 children aged between 10 months and 14 years have been treated for drowning incidents. This includes nine near-drownings and the heartbreaking loss of a four-year-old child.
Statistics reveal that most child drownings occur in private pools, often linked to non-compliant pool fencing, unlocked gates, and lapses in supervision. These factors have played a role in child drowning deaths across South Australia, where the annual average stands at 2.4 deaths of children under five.
Why Pool Fencing Matters
Compliant pool fencing is one of the most effective ways to prevent drownings. Properly maintained pool fences with self-closing gates, no climbable objects nearby, and secure latches significantly reduce the risk of young children accessing pools unsupervised.
Simple Steps to Keep Children Safe Around Water
- Supervise at All Times: Never leave children unattended near pools, bathtubs, or even small blow-up pools.
- Check Pool Fencing: Ensure gates self-close, latches are secure, and no objects allow children to climb over.
- Remove Pool Toys: Toys in the water can tempt children to climb in unsupervised.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on supervision and avoid distractions like mobile phones.
- Teach Water Safety: Enrol children in swimming lessons and teach them about water safety.
- Learn CPR: Knowing how to perform resuscitation can save a life in an emergency.
Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged one to three worldwide. Children can drown silently in as little as 3 cm of water, often within 20 seconds.
Tragically, for every child who drowns, another ten experience near-drowning incidents, many requiring emergency medical care.
Stay vigilant. Check your pool fence and gates.
Source: Fencing Industry Australia.