Summer the Season for Child Drowning

Summer the Season for Child Drowning

Summer is fast approaching and so is the season for drowning deaths and near drowning
incidents of West Australian children.

Homeowners need to check now to make ensure that pool barriers comply with Australian
Standards and current state regulations. Make sure fences are secure and gates self close and securely latch.

Make sure this summer (and every summer actually) that all children, your own and those of visitors to your home are supervised when in and around water. If you are holding a party and your home has a pool ensure it is securely locked, or, if you plan to use your pool ensure a qualified / competent adult that knows CPR is on duty in the pool area at all times.

Children under 5 years of age are the most at risk of drowning. Between 1995 and 1999,
50 children under the age of 14 years drowned in Western Australia, about half of these
were under 5 years of age. For the same period, 247 children were admitted to WA
hospitals after an immersion incident or near drowning.

Maybe you need to think about hiring a professional Lifeguard for the duration of your party. Crazy? Not really, imagine the medical bills, $900+ for the ambulance alone. How much is a life worth?

Need a lifeguard? Let me know and I will put you in touch with the correct people for the job.

Minimise the risk, make sure no one drowns in your pool and make this a good summer for all of us.

Kev Emery
Professional Lifeguard
Beach Inspector