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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six

PLAY IT SAFE What is summer without water? As December ticks over, we take beach days to the next level, spending most of our time by the water with friends, family, and inevitably, children learning to swim. But whether a child is the swimming star of the local pool or the next Kelly Slater in the surf, parents spending summer by the water will start keeping an extra eye on young swimmers, as water presents one of the greatest dangers to children around the country. According to community service program Kids Alive, drowning is the greatest cause of accidental death in children under five in Australia, with an average of one child drowning each week. Though devastating, drowning is one of the most preventable causes of death for children. By learning how to prevent drowning and detect the signs of drowning – because it doesn’t always happen in deep water – parents can ensure their children’s safety and encourage their confidence in the water. Prevention of drowning As reported by Royal Life Saving Australia’s ‘National Drowning Report 2014’, 8% of children aged 0-4 and 10% of children aged 5-14 drowned between July 2013 and June 2014. These occurred in a range of environments, including inland waterways, pools and beaches. Although the national rate of all-aged drowning deaths has decreased to the lowest number it has been in 12 years, this figure, through water education and strict safety guidelines, could still be reduced. Moreover, 2012-2013 saw a shocking increase in children drowning deaths, whereby 31 children under the age of five drowned in waterways, pools and bathtubs during that period – a 50% increase on the previous report. Even more startling is that half of the 31 deaths occurred in an unfenced or inadequately secured pool, while 81% of all deaths were from falls into the water, indicating a lack of adult supervision. Parents often think supervision entails being close-by to where children are swimming, but as the figures demonstrate, continuous active supervision is paramount to keeping children safe in the water. Drowning can occur in many other environments apart from the pool or the ocean. Ponds, septic tanks, wells, puddles, animal troughs, dams, spas and rainwater tanks are all very hazardous places for unsupervised children. Backyard pools, however, are the most dangerous. A common misconception is that children will only drown in deep water. In fact, a small child can drown in as little as five centimetres of water, in less than two minutes. Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia, Kidsafe, suggests four ways to prevent a young child from drowning. How to keep those little heads above water this summer 42 Pindara Magazine 2015\2016


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six
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