RACV is urging Victorians not to become complacent around water as summer continues.<\/p>\n
A child can drown within 20 seconds. That\u2019s as long as it takes to send a text, dry yourself with a towel or choose a song on your phone.<\/p>\n
Data from the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia (RLSSA) shows that Victoria currently makes up 18 per cent of the summer drowning toll in Australia.<\/p>\n
RACV\u2019s Head of Home and Business Insurance Kirsty Hayes said there are a number of ways Victorians can keep themselves safe around water as the warmer weather continues.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s crucial that we continue to keep pool safety top of mind \u2013 supervise your children around water, prioritise learning about water and restrict access to water by ensuring pools are fenced off with a compliant safety barrier,\u201d said Kirsty.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Victoria, any pool containing water 30cm or deeper (including indoor pools, spas, wading pools and above-ground pools) must have a compliant safety barrier with self-closing and self-latching gates and be registered with your local council.<\/p>\n
\u201cHome insurance liability cover may be compromised if the legally required fencing is not in place, so it\u2019s essential that you adhere to Victorian pool\/spa owner requirements.”<\/p>\n
By following these summer pool safety tips, you can help keep the whole family safe.<\/p>\n
1. Supervise: Keep watch of your child around water. Children under ten should be actively supervised and always be in your sight, with children under five always within arm\u2019s reach. It\u2019s important to remember that while floating toys and noodles are fun, they can\u2019t be relied upon as safety equipment, and some can flip and trap children underwater.<\/p>\n
2. Restrict: In addition to ensuring your pool has a compliant safety barrier, make sure you always empty inflatable pools and paddling pools immediately after use. In rural areas, it\u2019s important to restrict a child\u2019s access to water bodies such as dams that cannot be fenced.<\/p>\n
3. Learn: Although water safety has been part of the Victorian education curriculum since 2017, it\u2019s important to learn about water safety well before school. If you\u2019re an adult that hasn\u2019t learnt to swim yet, it\u2019s not too late to enrol yourself in an adult swim class.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RACV is urging Victorians not to become complacent around water as summer continues. A child can drown within 20 seconds. That\u2019s as long as it takes to send a text, dry yourself with a towel or choose a song on your phone. Data from the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia (RLSSA) shows that Victoria currently […]<\/p>\n