Davin Bray
Auckland, January 26, 2018
It is not rocket science; preventing your child from drowning is as simple as putting your device away and focusing your attention on them.
This is a call to families making plans for the long (Auckland Anniversary) weekend.
In the seconds it takes for you to post on Facebook or Instagram, tragedy could strike.
Seven children aged under five years drowned in New Zealand last year, more than double the previous year, and sadly all too preventable.
Active supervision
Children are attracted to water and whether it is pool, beach or bath, the number one solution is active supervision by an adult at all times.
According to Auckland Swimming Association Chief Executive Officer Brett Green, for under-5s, that means being within sight and reach, without distraction, and for older ones knowing where they are and what they are doing.
“At social gatherings around water we suggest having a responsible adult actively on duty as the ‘water watcher’ while others are busy with organising food or other activities and no, that is not the lifeguard’s job,” he said.
Safety measures
Being able to see where older children are, what the water is doing and how to prevent them getting in to difficulty in the first place, will also help avoid a repeat of recent drownings as result of attempted rescues by parents.
Swimming lessons can give parents a false sense of security, even competent swimmers can get in to difficulty.
“If faced with this situation, we urge anyone to take the time to assess the risks and their own level of water competency, and only enter the water if they have some form of flotation with them,” Mr Green said.
To date, Auckland has had a drowning free 2018, and that is the way Drowning Prevention Auckland and Auckland Swimming Association would like it to stay.
Davin Bray is Chief Executive, Drowning Prevention Auckland.
Photo Courtesy: Drowning Prevention Auckland
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