 Always
keep watch when children are in and around any water. Many drownings
happen in the few seconds that parents are distracted. Supervision
means you or an appropriate adult are continually watching your
child.
Supervision should be constant, not the occasional glance whilst
you read a book or relax.
Take your child with you whenever you leave the ocean, swimming
pool or bathtub.
- Is your child being supervised?
- Have you emptied the bathtub?
- Is the lid on the nappy bucket?
- Can your child gain access to the pool or spa?
- Have you checked for other water dangers such as open drains,
garden ponds, creeks or dams?
Young children and water safety - frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need to supervise my child in the pool constantly?
YES
Tragically, many drownings happen in the few seconds that parents
are distracted. Supervision means your child is being continually
watched by you or an appropriate adult.
Supervision should be constant, not the occasional glance whilst
you read a book or relax. Regardless of what you are doing, always
keep watch when children are in, on or around water. Take your
child with you whenever you leave the swimming pool or bathtub.
Never under any circumstances leave them alone!
Q: Why do I need to learn resuscitation?
A child’s life may be saved if the parents or carers have
the proper knowledge and skills to rescue and resuscitate quickly
and confidently. There are a number of recognised providers of
resuscitation courses.
The Royal
Life Saving Society conducts resuscitation courses and also
sells resuscitation posters. These posters should be openly displayed
in a prominent position by your pool. For course details or resuscitation
posters contact the Society on (02) 9879 4699.
Q: What is the right age for my child to begin water
familiarisation courses?
It is recommended that young children can begin water familiarisation
programs from 6 months of age. The water temperature should be
at least 30 degrees with air temperature ideally higher (therefore
indoor facility).
Q: Should my child use floatation aides?
The use of flotation aides should only be used where appropriate.
The child should not create a dependency on the flotation aide.
Children should be able to master the water environment on their
own. Flotation aides are no substitute for constant supervision
when infants and children are in the water.
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