“Children love the water, whether it’s swimming in a pool, at the beach, or kayaking and sailing at sea or on a lake,” said Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids New Zealand. “Unfortunately, while water can be fun, it can also be dangerous.” Below are some safety tips to follow this summer:
Stay within sight and reach of your child, and maintain hand contact with infants when in, on and around water.
Always drain the bath (and put plugs up high), paddling pools and buckets after use.
Know your responsibilities around fencing for your home pool and spa.
Enrol children in swimming lessons and water confidence classes.
Children must always wear a fitting child’s lifejacket when on a boat.
Learn CPR and First Aid.
Designate an experienced adult swimmer to actively supervise children.