Portable pools pose a serious drowning risk to small children. Even with very little water, it only takes seconds for a child to drown in a portable pool.
Young children are naturally fascinated by water and are top heavy so when they lean over to look into water or reach for an object they can easily topple over and drown in just a few centimetres of water.
Drowning happens quickly and SILENTLY and the impact on families can be devastating. There is often no splashing, screaming our sounds of stuggle.
Children aged 0 to 4 years are at high risk of drowning. Young children are naturally curious and attracted to water but do not yet understand the concept of danger.
Often at parties and gatherings people can assume that someone else is watching their child. In fact, it is possible that no one is supervising. Nominating a designated child supervisor during parties and gatherings is a way of ensuring that children are supervised at all times. A designated child supervisor should be chosen during parties and gatherings. This is an effective way of ensuring that children are supervised at all times. If this person needs to leave for any reason, ensure a new supervisor is appointed or regularly rotate the supervision responsibilities. If alcohol is being consumed, supervisors should be sober.
9% of the people who drowned on Australian beaches over summer were trying to save the life of someone else. With more warm weather on the way, lifesavers are urging Australians to “stop, look and plan” at the beach.
SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS
This app provides expert advice about rip currents, flags and signs, waves, marine creatures, surf skills and more. If you are at an unpatrolled beach please check this app!
Rips are complex, can quickly change shape and location, and at times, are difficult to see. The things to look for are;
Relax – stay calm and float to conserve your energy.
Raise – raise your arm and attract attention from lifeguards or lifesavers.
Rescue – the lifeguards or lifesavers will be on their way to help you. You may escape the rip current by swimming parallel to the beach, towards the breaking waves.
On average one-third of the people who drown on the coastlines were from multicultural backgrounds – the vast majority adult men