The first thing to know about water safety is that children can never be completely SAFE around water.
No child, no matter how well they can swim, is totally safe, because accidents happen. That's why swimming experts talk about making children SAFER.
Carlile has worked with the Australian Swim Schools Association and supports its SAFER swimming campaign.
We know that “to swim well is an asset for life,” and having good swimming skills are vital for children to stay safe in and around water. Learning to swim well and knowing water safety skills could save a life.
Swimming lessons teach lifesaving skills, like floating, submersions, turn around swims and correct stroke technique. Practicing swimming without goggles or floaties can help prepare children in case of emergency.
All kids need to be supervised in and around water, regardless of their swimming ability. Active adult supervision means:
Designate a water watcher – an accompanying adult who is known by both children and other adults to be supervising.The adults who are supervising must be vigilant water watchers, and must never leave their ‘post’ until replaced by another competent supervisor.
Barriers lessen the chances of children accessing a water hazard. Pools must be fully isolated from the house with compliant fencing, including the use of self-closing and self-latching gates. Fencing should be checked regularly to ensure that they remain in good, working order. Make sure there are no items that could be used to climb the fence and that the gate stays closed and locked.
Having an emergency plan can save a life. Every second counts in drownings, so check the pool first! You should:
By following the layers of protection, you can reduce the risk of drowning and be SAFER. Used together, these layers maximise child safety near water. If one measure ‘fails’, there is another behind it that may save a life.
