More than 500 children lose their lives to drowning over past two decades

New analysis released by Royal Life Saving Society - Australia has revealed that, over the last 20 years, 549 children aged 0 to four years have died from drowning across the nation - of these, 40% were aged just one year old.

For every fatal drowning in this age group, eight children are admitted to hospital following a non-fatal drowning. On average, these children stay in hospital for 1.5 days. Some will sustain lifelong brain injuries, impacting families and communities.

Noting that drowning risk for young children peaks in summer, with 38% of all deaths occurring between December and February, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Justin Scarr stated “a we head into warmer weather, we are urging parents and carers to always ‘Keep Watch’ around the water.

“Royal Life Saving research shows the risk of drowning triples following a child’s first birthday. Parents need to be aware of this heightened risk and stay vigilant.

“We are reminding parents that ‘Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to’.”

More than half of deaths occurred in swimming pools (51%), making pools the leading location for drowning among young children. Accidental falls into water were the leading activity prior to drowning (77%). In most cases, the child was not being supervised by an adult caregiver.

Drowning in young children is quick and silent. Everyday distractions such as answering the front door, checking on dinner in the oven or answering a text message can divert a caregiver’s attention away from the crucial task of supervision, enabling a child to enter the pool area unaccompanied. Active supervision means giving your full attention and avoiding distractions.

Scarr added “this is the time of year to check your pool fence and gate.

“If there is a lapse in supervision, a correctly installed and regularly maintained pool barrier can prevent your child from drowning. It’s important that pools gates are not propped open for any reason.”

The Royal Life Saving Keep Watch program promotes four actions to keep children safe around the water; Supervise, Restrict, Teach and Respond. Remember, kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to. Keep Watch.