Last year in Australia 35 children aged between 14 months and 5 years of age drowned, predominantly in the family pool.
These children tend to be curious, generally no fear of danger, and are attracted to water and have little care or no capacity to look after themselves in the pool. Please note: 9 out of 10 children who drowned in the family pools were toddlers.
To minimise risks:-
- adult supervision at all times
- have a pool fence erected
- pool gate closed at all times
- resuscitation chart on the fence
- flotation devices in or around the pool
- keep outside furniture away from the pool fence
- hold current First Aid Certificate
- pool alarm devices are available in Australia
Medi Aide Emergency Training can assist parents to gain the skills to deal with a near drowning child.