The recent National Drowning Report compiled by Royal Life Saving shows child drowning deaths in Australia have again risen. Between July 1 2009 and June 30 2010, 48 children aged 0-14 years drowned. The majority of these drownings are preventable.

Eliminating child drowning
With the number of children being born in Australia rising; parents, government and the community must address the often neglected risk of child drowning before further lives are lost this summer.

Child drowning remains a significant cause of preventable death, particularly in children aged under 5 years. Parents and carers can reduce this risk and provide their children with valuable skills for life by following a number of actions.

These actions are: supervise your child, restrict your child’s access to water, teach your child to be water aware and learn resuscitation.

To ensure your child stays safe in the water:

• Make sure your child is supervised at all times and, if they’re under the age of five, keep them within arm’s reach.
• Familiarise your child with water and make sure they can swim early.
• Provide barriers to water locations and inspect them regularly.
• Objects that could be used to climb any fence near a pool should be removed from the area.
• Pool aids and toys should be stored securely and out of view.
• Learn resuscitation in case of an accident.

Royal Life Saving top swim safety tips:

• Go together: when playing in, on or around water always make sure someone is with you.
• Reach to rescue: if someone needs help, do not get in the water. Lie down and reach out with a stick or throw a buoyant object to them.
• Stay afloat and wave: if you are in trouble in the water, try to relax, roll on your back, float, hold onto something if available and wave one arm to attract attention.
• In natural waterways, always enter the water slowly; feet first, never dive in.
• Where possible swim in designated swimming areas.

Video: National Drowning Report