Drowning is a major cause of accidental death for pre-school children. Home swimming pools and spa pools represent the greatest single danger.

The single most important thing you can do to prevent drowning, regardless of other measures you may take, is to always watch kids closely around water.

Water means not just swimming pools, but spas, paddling pools, fishponds, bathtubs – even nappy buckets. A young child can drown quickly and silently, in just 5cm of water.

Young kids are most at risk because they’re curious and like to explore. Even a 12 month old baby can crawl faster and further than you’d imagine. If you visit friends, check if they have a pool or outdoor spa. If you have a pool, you must by law, put up a safety fence that completely separates the pool from its surroundings. The fence must be at least 1.2 metres high. The pool gate must be self-closing and self-latching. Pool fencing must meet New Zealand standards; check with your local council for details. Keep safety posters – available from the Pool Safe website - on the pool fence.

 

Watch kids closely around water and take these 5 simple steps to help prevent drowning at home:

 

1. Empty inflatable pools straight away.

 

Store paddling pools upright. Also check outside after rain in case water has collected in containers lying around your garden.

 

2. Never leave young children alone in the bath.

 

If you must leave the bathroom, always take the child with you. Never expect older kids to look after a young child in the bath, and always empty the bath straight away.

 

3. Don’t rely on ‘Floaties’ or ‘Bubbles’.

 

Flotation aids may help children feel comfortable in the water, but that’s all. They are not a substitute for careful supervision.

 

4. Cover garden ponds and think about a pool net.

 

A wire mesh just 2cm below the surface won’t spoil the look of your pond, and stops small children falling in. Consider a pool safety net for extra peace of mind.

 

5. Check the pool fence regularly.

 

Check the fence is secure, gates lock properly and there’s nothing next to the fence that would allow a child to climb over.

 

Further information 

 

www.poolsafe.org.nz has important information, checklists and tips for home, public and school pools.

 

www.watersafety.org.nz has information on many water related activities and also has information regarding education and learning to swim programmes.

St John's Ambulance New Zealand holds first aid and resuscitation (CPR) courses so you know what to do in the first few moments of an emergency.

 

The ACC website has fact files on prevention of drowning around the home.

 

You can view the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 online at the NZ Government legislation website.