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Water Safety

Water Safety

Shocking fact – a child can drown in just a few centimetres of water, in a very short space of time. Supervision is always required around water.

Around a Pool

  • Always maintain constant visual contact while you child is in the water.
  • Older children should not be left to supervise younger siblings.
  • Familiarise your child with water – take your child to infant aquatics classes  so they can develop water confidence.
  • Fence your pool – a pool fence is essential as a barrier between the water and your child.
  • In Australia – Swimming pools must at all times be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier conforming with Australian Standard 1926.
  • In New Zealand – All home pools including spa pools must comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987.
  • Inflatable toys are not life saving devices and do not keep your child safe.
  • Ensure there are no power lines or other electrical equipment near or around the pool or swimming area.
  • Nappies should not be worn in the water as they are unhygienic and can weigh the child down.
  • Check that the depth of the water is marked and be careful when jumping or diving into water.
  • At parties and gatherings nominate a person to be the designated child watcher, so there is no confusion. If that person leaves, they must nominate someone else.
  • Don’t leave paddling pools in the garden.

In the BathroomBaby in Bath

  • Keep the bathroom door shut. If it has a lock, ensure you can open this from the outside.
  • Remember to close the toilet seat.
  • Never leave your children unattended in the bath.
  • Bath seats require constant supervision.
  • Don’t use a bath on a stand once your baby can stand up.
  • Use a non-slip mat.
  • Turn your hot water down to a maximum of 50°C to avoid scalds.
  • Run cold water through the tap just before turning the water off to ensure the tap has cooled down.
  • Test the temperature of the water before placing baby in.

In the Laundry

  • Keep the laundry door shut.
  • Ensure soaking buckets and tubs have secure lids in place.