Hidden water dangers - A young child can drown in just 5cm of water

- how safe is your home?

In 2007/2008 drowning was the number 1 cause of death in children under the age of 5

 

The 2008 National Drowning report, published by the Royal Life Saving Society has shown a decrease in drownings over a five year average. Drowning is still the number one cause of death in children under the age of 5. This does not include near drownings or those left with severe disabilities. A copy of the report can be seen here.

 

At Fish Links we are dedicated to children's swimming lessons, teaching them how to love and respect the water. While no child can ever be 100% water proof, learning to swim can help your child learn some life saving skills that will stay with them well into their adult lives.  Did you know a child can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water?

 

We are lucky to be Australian and live so close to the water, being able to swim opens a whole new world for children. Swimming is a skill that can save lives, it can be used for rehabilitation and injury prevention as well as for leisure or serious athletes. Together with the pleasures of the water comes the dangers. More children die in Australia every year due to household drowning accidents than any other childhood killer. Sadly many of those accidents could have been prevented.

 

Go for a walk around your house and see what potential hazards there may be. Here a a few suggestions you may not have considered. 

 

The bathroom	Its a good idea to keep the bathroom door locked, always empty bath water as soon as your child gets out and NEVER leave the room when they are in the bath
The Toilet	Always keep the lid down
Nappy buckets	Never leave a bucket unattended and if needs be place a child proof lid on any buckets containing liquids
Kitchen sink	You'd be surprised how well some children can climb!
Backyard pools	Must be fenced, an alarm that sounds when something goes in the water, is also a good idea if you have toddlers
Ponds	backyard ponds should be fenced if you have children regardless of he depth of the water, you can never be too safe
Hoses	Be sure they are put away after you use them
Shopping centres	Fountains draw attention particularly that of young children
Dog Bowls	Most dog bowl's are large and are very much a potential hazard to young children
Wheelie Bins	Is a young child falls head first into a Wheelie bin that has water in it its very hard to get out of the bin or water.