Spike in toddler drowning deaths sparks warning

THERE have been five toddler drowning deaths in Victoria within seven weeks, and water safety authorities are urging active supervision of children at pools, beaches and inland waterways.
The most recent death was in Portarlington on September 3, when a two-year-old drowned after falling off a pier.
Life Saving Victoria principal research associate Dr Bernadette Matthews said the drownings were a sad reminder of the need to play it safe by the water, especially after a period in which many Victorian families have had fewer experiences around water during coronavirus restrictions.
“Our thoughts go out to all of the families and friends following these tragic incidents.
“The time it takes for a toddler to drown is devastatingly short – 20 seconds is all it takes.
“We urge all parents and guardians to always keep children under the age of five within arm’s reach when around water, and children under 10 should always be within sight.”
The drowning incidents bring the total number of reported drowning deaths in Victoria for the financial year to 12. This is nine more than the five-year average for the same time period (July 1, 2015 to 4 September 4, 2019).
Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers said there was a range of potential drowning hazards in public and home environments, particularly for toddlers.
“Toddlers can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water. They are particularly at risk because they are mobile and curious, but don’t yet understand the danger that water can pose.
“As well as larger bodies of water such as pools, spas and dams, other potential drowning hazards include baths, ponds, eskies with melted ice and buckets of water.”