Media Release
November 27 2009
For immediate release

Stay safe, have fun in the water this summer

Plunket and Water Safety New Zealand are urging families to have fun but be safe around water as the Kiwi summer heats up

Sue Campbell, Plunket’s National Child Safety Advisor, says parents and caregivers need to keep a close eye on children when they’re near water and always stay within arm’s reach - whether a child is in the bath, at the beach or by a swimming pool.

“A child can drown in as little as four centimetres of water – which is not much smaller than the length of your little finger”, says Sue

Water Safety New Zealand wants to remind people that a common factor in the tragic drownings of children four years and under is the lack of supervision around water.

“We urge parents and caregivers to always supervise children near water – always. This is equally important when out enjoying summer weather as it is at home,” Water Safety New Zealand General Manager Matt Claridge says.

“We also support families getting involved in learning about water together – having fun and becoming confident as a family group.”

For more information on keeping children safe in the water:
http://www.watersafety.org.nz/goodadvice/under5waterwise.asp
http://www.plunket.org.nz/your-child/safety/?tab=213&#tabbing

ENDS

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