30 August 2010

Media Release

For immediate release

Keep your children safe around water at home

Drowning is the second leading unintentional killer of children in New Zealand and for preschoolers it is the home environment that poses the greatest risk.

The home environment – pools, baths, buckets etc. – accounted for 63 percent of the 37 drownings in the 0-4yr age group during 2005-2009.

To mark the launch of NZ Safety Week, WaterSafe Auckland highlights seven key pieces of advice and urges parents and caregivers to consider what steps they can take to minimise or eliminate the drowning risk to children in and around their home.

1. Actively supervise children at bath time, within reach and without distraction.

2. Use non-slip bath mats and don’t rely on bath seats or rings.

3. Drain the bath after use and put the plug up high out of reach.

4. Place lids on nappy buckets and place them and other buckets out of reach.

5. Any container that can contain 40mm or more of water, such as pet bowls, rainwater collection containers and paddling pools, are all potential hazards. Empty after use, store them on their side or better still, put them away.

6. Be aware of your responsibility around pool fencing and remember that this also includes inflatable swimming and spa pools.

7. Know infant and child CPR

“Above all, please remember that there is no alternative to close, active and constant adult supervision,” says Teresa Stanley, WaterSafe Auckland’s Business Manager. ”This means being within arm’s length of young children and focused on the child – not reading, talking or texting on the phone.”

For a home safety checklist and further water safety advice visit www.watersafe.org.nz

ENDS

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