Distractions lead to fatalities

Household chores – everyday tasks such as checking on dinner, taking the out the rubbish or putting the washing out – were the most common distractions which led to lapses in supervision of children around water (41%).

Research into fatal toddler drowning incidents conducted by UNSW Sydney, James Cook University and Royal Life Saving Australia also found other most common causes of breaks in active adult supervision included talking or socialising (11%), and electronic distractions (9%).

On the back of Victoria’s worst childhood drowning toll in over 20 years, Kidsafe Victoria is urging parents and carers to actively supervise children around water in a bid to reduce the number of drowning deaths.

The call comes as thousands of families prepare to enjoy backyard BBQs and pool parties over the summer holidays.

Jason Chambers, General Manager of Kidsafe Victoria, highlighted how quickly toddlers can get into trouble around water.

“Toddlers are naturally curious and love water, yet they don’t understand the dangers it can pose. A split second is all it takes for a child to gain unsupervised access to the water area and 20 seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown”, he said.

Despite significant reductions in toddler drowning deaths over time, drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under 5 years of age.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2021-12-14/16

in the 14 December 2021 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.