UQWellness eMag Nov 25 - Flipbook - Page 28
Understanding
the Risk
Most young children who drown in
home pools fall in by accident. It happens
quickly and silently — o昀琀en without any
splashing or cries for help. Young children
are naturally curious and drawn to water
but don’t yet understand danger. At
the same 琀椀me, it’s easy for parents and
carers to become complacent in familiar
surroundings.
In many cases, drownings occur when a
supervising adult becomes momentarily
distracted — answering the door, cha琀�ng
with a friend, or tending to another child.
Some琀椀mes, children gain access through
faulty pool fences, gates le昀琀 open, or toys
le昀琀 昀氀oa琀椀ng in the water, which can tempt
them back to play.
But with awareness and simple safety
strategies, you can drama琀椀cally reduce
the risk.
Royal Life Saving’s
Four Key Actions:
SUPERVISE, RESTRICT,
TEACH, RESPOND
1. Supervise
Supervision is the single most
important factor in preven琀椀ng
drowning. Ac琀椀ve supervision means
giving your full a琀琀en琀椀on to your child
— no phones, no mul琀椀tasking, no
excep琀椀ons. Stay within arm’s reach of
young children and be ready to jump in
if needed.
It’s easy to get caught up in
household tasks, but drowning can
happen in seconds. Never leave older
siblings in charge, and when you’re
at gatherings, always nominate a
designated adult supervisor. Rotate
this role throughout the event to
ensure someone is always focused on
the kids — and make sure that person
stays sober if alcohol is involved.
