Toddlers are curious and unpredictable as they explore the world around them. It’s what we love about them, but it’s also why we need to take steps to keep them safe.

Drowning remains the leading cause of preventable death in children under five years of age. On average, four children aged 0-4 drown every year in WA, and many more are admitted to hospital as the result of a non-fatal drowning.

The Royal Life Saving Society of WA Together is asking everyone to Keep Watch and work together to reduce this tragic statistic.

If you own or rent a property with a pool, taking precautions is a must, but the Keep Watch principles apply to all families with young children.

The Keep Watch message promotes four key actions we can take to keep our kids safe around water:

SUPERVISE – Always keep watch of your child around water

This includes all household sources of water, both indoors and outside. The back yard pool is the most obvious location, but there are many other water sources around the home that you need to watch out for.

Bathtubs, toilets, buckets and even pet bowls can all pose a risk for drowning. Maybe you have a portable or inflatable pool, or even a fishpond. A baby or toddler can drown in just a few centimetres of water, and it can happen in minutes. Ensure children are supervised at all times.

RESTRICT – Restrict your child’s access to water at all times

Children are curious by nature and can find their way to water unnoticed by adults. Restricting access to water can slow your child down and give you time to respond if they do get out of sight.

Restricting access can mean: 

• Removing water sources completely – empty paddle pools, baths and buckets immediately after use

• Placing a barrier around water – this includes a pool/spa barrier with a self-closing and self-latching gate, and placing wire mesh over water features and ponds

• Placing a barrier around the child – this takes the form of a Child Safe Play Area that can be used inside or outside the home 

TEACH – Teach your child water safety skills

Children should be exposed to water from an early age. Participating in formal water familiarisation or infant aquatics classes is a great way to introduce children to basic water safety and survival skills.

Water familiarisation also includes establishing rules and boundaries. Set rules for children near water and ensure all adults enforce the rules to set a good example.

RESPOND – Learn CPR and call 000 in an emergency

In many emergency situations involving children, a parent will be the first person on the scene and can provide lifesaving assistance until emergency help arrives. Having the skills to respond in an emergency could mean the difference between life and death.

If a child finds their way to water, every moment counts so if a child is missing around the home, check all water locations first before searching elsewhere. Every parent should learn first aid and CPR, and regularly update their skills with refresher courses.

Royal Life Saving WA’s Keep Watch program is supported by the Western Australian Department of Health and Principal Community Partner BHP.

Read more about the program at here.