Staying safe in and around the water
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS!
During the 2009 - 2010 summer season, lifesavers completed 9420 rescues and supplied first aid to 35,416 people. In 2009, more than 50 children drowned in Australia.
The Royal Life Saving Association of Australia says that adults supervising children in and around water should have constant visual contact and be within arms reach of the children they are supervising. Children should not be supervised by older siblings or anyone under the age of 18.
Chief executive officer for the Royal Life Saving Association of Australia, David Macallister says that families should be aware that certain situations can pose a higher risk for drowning due to reduced supervision, particularly around backyard pools, the number one location for childhood drownings.
‘Studies show the majority of toddler drowning deaths at home peak between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on weeknights when parents’ attention may be divided,’ said David
‘Social situations are another time when parents need to be mindful of the increased probability of drowning,’ he said. ‘Nominating a designated adult ‘child supervisor’ is a way of ensuring that children are watched at all times.’
Water does not need to be deep for drowning to occur so parents should also be aware of dangers such as laundry buckets, baths and water features.
Beaches are a very popular summer family destination. Lifesaving manager for Surf Lifesaving NSW, Dean Storey, said there are a number of things families should look out for.
‘The most effective way to stay safe on the beach is to swim at a patrolled location marked with red and yellow flags,’ said Dean. ‘Beachgoers should also look out for warning signs, such as no swimming’, ‘shallow water’ or ‘large waves’ signs that will highlight any potential hazards.’
Families should also be aware of rip currents, which are the number one hazard on Australia’s beaches, accounting for the most rescues.
‘Rip currents are particularly dangerous approximately three hours before and after the daily maximum low tide, when waves are larger,’ said Dean ‘However, rip currents can flow quickly even on days when the surf is not large.’
‘The surface of the water can often have a calmer appearance with ripples on the surface indicting a subtle flow of water away from the beach,’ he said.
Swimmers are advised that if they do get into trouble that they should stay calm, float to conserve energy, face the shore, raise and wave their hand and call out for help. If caught in a rip, swimmers should not try to swim against the current, but if it weakens, swimmers may try swimming parallel to the beach towards breaking waves which may assist them back to shore.
Sun protection is also vital for families who should remember to slop on 30+ sunscreen at regular intervals throughout the day; cover up from the sun using a shirt, hat and sunglasses; and stay under shade.
For more information about water/surf/sun safety visit:
Author: Alissa Crawford
« Return to student support article topic