Top 5 water safety tips from a Paediatric Nurse and Mum of three

As a Paediatric Nurse and Mum of three young children, water safety is a non-negotiable in our family. Drowning is a leading cause of death and disability among children aged zero to five years in Australia. It’s a tragic event that can occur in an instant and have devastating effects on families, but the good news is that it is entirely preventable. So let me take you through my tips for improved water safety.

Top 5 water safety tips:

Supervision

Supervision is the single most important thing you can do to keep your children safe around water. Eyes on. Hands on. It is important that, as parents, we focus all your attention on children all of the time when they are in or around water. No excuses and yes, this includes the bath. Believe me, I know how busy things can get when you’re trying to do so many things at once, but this is when you can get distracted leading to the unthinkable. 

When there are larger groups or you are at or hosting a party, it is important to designate an adult to be the ‘water watcher.’ Take turns to ensure the safety of your children. All you need to do is ensure that the ‘water watcher’ only has one role without any other distractions – to watch the children in the water at all times.  Remember to always Keep Watch and to keep within arm’s reach.

Bright coloured swimwear

The colour and visibility of your child’s swimwear could save their life. Avoid pale or dark swimwear, as it reduces visibility underwater; children in pale or dark colours can be nearly invisible underwater, or be dismissed for shadows, leaves or dirt. Instead, opt for bright, neon orange, yellow or pink swimwear, which can be seen easily when underwater, significantly enhancing water safety!

Swimming lessons 

Teach children water safety skills. Make sure your child is water-aware, water familiar and water-confident. Children can start swimming lessons as early as 4 – 6 months of age, to begin their knowlege of water safety. So enrol your kids in swimming lessons early, and consistently remind them about the rules around water.

Restrict your child’s access to water 

Check pool fences to ensure there’s nothing your child can climb to access the water. Supervise older siblings when they’re near the pool, as little ones can easily follow them. Empty inflatable or portable pools when not in use and inspect the backyard after rain for water-filled hazards like sandpits, buckets, or pots. Always empty bathtubs and keep bath plugs out of your child’s reach.

Be prepared and know how to respond in an emergency

Remember, it only takes 3cms of water and 20 seconds for a child to drown. Drowning doesn’t look like what most of us imagine – there’s no splashing, no screaming, no calling for help. Drowning in young children is quick and absolutely silent. 

It is important to learn how to respond in case of an emergency. Many children are alive today because their parents knew how to perform CPR and were able to respond quickly. If you’re uncertain, consider enrolling in a Kidsaver baby & child first aid class, where we will give you the confidence to respond to your child in an emergency. 

As parents, the responsibility to protect our little ones in and around water lies with us. Together, we can create a safer environment and aim to bring drowning statistics down to zero! Let’s unite in this important mission and ensure our children can enjoy the water safely.