CHILDREN’S HEALTH 1.Supervision At no point in time should a child be left alone in water, despite how ‘safe’ it seems. Inadequate supervision is the primary factor that contributes to children drowning. When supervising at the pool, bath or beach, even reading a text message or checking your phone momentarily allows enough time for a child to slip underwater. Supervision requires 100% attention and proximity to the water source – there is no safety in watching children in the ground level pool from the second storey balcony. Supervisors must be close enough to enter the water immediately. As reported by Kidsafe, most children are last seen by both parents in the home in the five minutes before drowning. Supervision must be throughout all rooms of the home and/or public area. Even social gatherings with multiple adults provide an opportunity for drowning if no one is allocated to watch the children. At social events, such as a barbeque, take turns with other parents/ adults to watch the pool, and be ready to jump in at any time. Supervising parents should not drink at this occasion. 2. Eliminate hazards The simplest way to prevent drowning is to remove any hazards or objects that a child could climb to access a water source. In the pool area, remove any toys not being used from the water and pathway, as children can trip on these into the water or may attempt to grab one before falling in. Removing toys and objects from the area also prevents nasty falls. In the bathroom, remove any unused bath toys and objects and store in a safe place, as well as installing grip mats around the shower and bathtub. Close and secure the bathroom door when not in use. Toilets should also be secured closed. Around the home, anything that can hold water, such as buckets and wading tubs, should be emptied straight after use. Aquariums should be out of reach of children. When swimming, children should be wearing appropriate, lightweight swimwear without loose edges or tassels that may catch on something underwater. At the beach, always swim with children between the flags. 3. Environmental measures The first and most important environmental measure for pools is secure fencing of minimum 1200mm height, and no more than 100mm between slats so that children cannot slide through. The Queensland Government’s ‘Swimming Pool Barriers’ legislation requires that a fence be continuous for the full extent of the pool yard, strong enough to withstand human impact, and that it effectively restricts children from the pool yard with a childproof, self-closing gate and latch. Under changes from the Building Code of Australia (effective 1 May, 2010), child resistant door and window structures are no longer considered barriers to access swimming pools. For additional protection in the pool yard, rigid, motorised safety covers are recommended for preventing falls into the pool. All pool areas should display clear CPR instructions on the fence, and have a first aid kit within reach. pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 43
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six
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