Look, I hate to interrupt your Summer fun with something that completely heartbreaking, but it’s time for a reminder.
Drowning is the number one cause of death in one-year-old children.
It’s a horrific reality, one that none of us wants to think about but the good news is, it’s preventable. And that’s what I’m writing about today because I have a message.
The Royal Life Saving Society – Australia wants all parents to follow these four steps this Summer to prevent drowning.
1. Actively supervise children around water
2. Restrict children’s access to water
3. Teach children water safety skills
4. Learn how to resuscitate
I want to say, see, it’s simple! But the truth is, it’s not. Watching your kids around water is difficult, and if you hear anyone say HOW HARD IS IT TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS FOR GOD’S SAKE, please remind them, it’s actually not easy at all.
The level of vigilance you need to actively supervise small children around a pool is huge, and we are all human – sometimes we may not feel up to it. Because of this, I’m going to go ahead and add one more step to the list. Hopefully, the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia doesn’t mind.
5. It’s ok to say no.
If you’ve been up all night with a baby, are not 100% on your game, or are planning to have a few drinks with friends; it’s ok to say, no kids – it’s not a good time for a swim right now.
It may seem harsh, but if you know you’re not going to be supervising actively, then the alternative is much harsher, especially if you have toddlers.
Justin Scarr, CEO at Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, comments “Parents and carers need to know that the risk of drowning triples as soon as a child starts to crawl, peaking shortly after a child’s first birthday.
“Drowning deaths in young children are wholly preventable…We can’t emphasise enough how important active adult supervision is in preventing these deaths. Distractions are dangerous – whether it is taking a phone call, browsing social media or ducking inside to grab something – we ask parents and carers to always Keep Watch.”
But now for some semi-good news:
Since 2002, drowning deaths in children aged under five have decreased by 55%, but drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in this age group.
We are headed in the right direction, but we aren’t there yet. Those steps one more time, just for good measure.
1. Actively supervise children around water
2. Restrict children’s access to water
3. Teach children water safety skills
4. Learn how to resuscitate
5. It’s ok to say no.
For more information about The Royal Life Saving Society’s Keep Watch campaign, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au
