Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children under 5 years of age. While babies and toddlers are naturally curious and attracted to water, they are at high risk of drowning and require constant supervision to keep them safe.
Keep Watch is a program run by Royal Life Saving Society WA that provides information to parents and carers on preventing drowning in children under 2.
Safety steps to prevent drowning:
- Actively supervise your baby in and around water. Always be within arm’s reach of your baby.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath – always take them with you if you have to leave the room.
- Never allow older children to supervise babies around water – supervision should always be from an adult.
- Restrict your baby’s access to water – always close the door to the bathroom and toilet, and ensure pools and spas are properly fenced.
- Always empty buckets, eskies and pet water bowls when not in use.
- Familiarise your baby with water from a young age.
- Learn how to perform CPR, and update this regularly.
Swimming pools and spas:
If you have a swimming pool or inflatable pool that holds more than 30cm of water, you need a barrier that isolates the pool from the house and the rest of the backyard. For further information on what is required, contact your local council.
