Media Release
January 11th 2009
41 Degree Scorcher Sets Stage for Toddler Drowning
Kidsafe Victoria has called for increased parental awareness around the water today, with the
temperatures expected to hit a scorching 41 degrees.
The peak body in child accident prevention has also raised the need for parental awareness of
children travelling in hot cars, where the heat can have deadly consequences.
Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said that in the past year, almost 60% of children under
five who drowned lost their lives in backyard swimming pools.
“The warning also extends to the beach and public swimming pools where children can easily
disappear amongst a crowd of swimmers. Parents need to maintain vigilant supervision at all times and
not rely on lifeguards to watch their children.”
Kidsafe Victoria, who spearheaded the introduction of compulsory pool fencing in Victoria a decade
ago, believes there is a need to renew and increase awareness of pool owner’s responsibilities.
"It is vital pool owners check and maintain pool fences all year round to protect children from drowning
in swimming pools.”
Dr Stokes said the main issue is that parents should ensure children are supervised whilst using any
swimming pool or wading pool as young children can sink and drown quickly in a few seconds.
“For every young child who drowns, another three or four will be admitted to hospital after a near-
drowning incident – some of these children will suffer permanent brain damage. There have already been
too many incidents this summer, let’s work together to make sure there are no more and our children are
safe.”
Kidsafe Advice for Swimming Pools
Check the safety barrier regularly - Your fence or barrier needs to be checked regularly to
ensure that all gates, doors and windows with locking properly. Also check and remove any
climbing devices nearby.
Always supervise young children in and around water - Keep your eyes on young children
at all times. Young children drown quickly and silently – even in as little as a few centimetres of
water.
Always empty wading pools after each use and store upright.
Place a cover or mesh over backyard ponds and make sure water stored in buckets or
wheelie bins is emptied.
A Home Water Safety Kidsafe Check List is available at www.kidsafevic com.au
Media Enquiries: Dr Mark Stokes President Kidsafe National Mobile; 0408 038 267
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Kidsafe Mobile 0417 329 201
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