Almost 20 children under the age of four drowned last year – the majority of them in swimming pools.
And all it takes for 20 seconds for a toddler to drown.
While that number was down on the previous year, Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers says it is an issue that needs to be addressed.
“Drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under five years of age,” he said.
“While safety barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of backyard pool drowning incidents, evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths are the result of barriers that are faulty, or non-compliant with Australian standards.”
Senator and Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie said: “We are a nation of water lovers and thanks to decades of campaigning we have brought our drowning rates down – but we need to move the dial even further.
“I urge all Australians to watch their children around water, swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags, to wear life jackets when on boats and watercraft, avoid alcohol around water and to teach their children about swimming and water safety.”
While pool and spa barriers play an important role in reducing the risk of childhood drowning, Kidsafe is reminding all parents to keep an eye on kids around the water.
Common issues with pool barriers include:
• Gates and doors that don’t self-latch or self-close
• Climbable objects near the barrier, such as pot plants, chairs, pool pumps near the pool barrier which could allow a child to climb over the fence
• Excess space under the fence, and;
• Misuse (propping the pool gate open)
For more information, visit www.kidsafevic.com.au
