Little Swimmers Water Safety Tips
The water is a place for fun, so here are a few water safety tips to keep in mind to help keep your child safe around water:
- A great safety tip is to take your kids to swimming lessons. AUSTSWIM, the Australian Council for Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety recommends that children can take part in aquatic activities from the age of 6months! Find an AUSTSWIM swimming school now (AUS).
Find a ‘Swim for Life’ alligned swim school in your area (NZ). - Always maintain constant visual contact while you child is in the water.
- Older children should not be left to supervise younger siblings.
- On rural properties where it is unrealistic to fence off large lakes, rivers and dams, create a fenced in, child safe area close to your home.
- Familiarise your child with water – take your child to infant aquatics classes so they can develop water confidence.
- Fence your pool – a pool fence is essential as a barrier between the water and your child.
- In Australia – Swimming pools must at all times be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier conforming with Australian Standard 1926
- In New Zealand – All home pools including spa pools must comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987
- Inflatable toys are not life saving devices and do not keep your child safe.
- Ensure there are no power lines or other electrical equipment near or around the pool or swimming area.
- Water quality – check the water is safe and clean.
- Nappies should not be worn in the water as they are unhygienic and can weigh the child down.
- Check that the depth of the water is marked and be careful when jumping or diving into water.
- Beaches and swimming holes can have hidden dangers such as rips and deep holes. Always go into the water with young children.
- Young children in boats of any sort must always have a life jacket on.
- Learn resuscitation – every member of your family should learn this lifesaving skill.
- Remember to empty bathtubs, nappy buckets and put the lid down on the toilet seat.
- At parties and gatherings nominate a person to be the designated child watcher, so there is no confusion. If that person leaves, they must nominate someone else.
Remember the water is a place for fun! Make it safe so the fun can continue.
Water Safety Tips
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For more information see Learn to swim or Parenting .