NZ Drowning Statistics →

As at 22 Aug 2008 - 67

Same time last year - 70

Total for 2007 - 110

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Under 5 Waterwise

Water presents a potentially life threatening hazard for young children in and around the home and in the wider community a fact supported by statistics which show preschool children have one of the highest drowning rates of all New Zealanders.

However, given the right opportunities, and with encouragement, your child can become both confident and competent in the water.

Supervision

Think about safety first!

Safety is of critical importance as children are introduced to water play and later when they learn to swim.

ALWAYS SUPERVISE CHILDREN NEAR WATER - ALWAYS!

Supervision without any distractions is the single most important precaution you can take. Children learn by exploring their environment, new adventures are only a few steps away. Parents know from experience how quickly children can do something unexpected.

Proper supervision in and around water means a responsible adult keeping young children in their care both WITHIN SIGHT and WITHIN REACH.

As a parent it is your responsibility to:

Supervise water time.
Remind children of the safety rules, and see that the rules are enforced
Provide sufficient opportunities for safe, supervised and fun water experiences.

Environment

Almost half of all pre-school drownings occur in home pool. This is most frequently at the child's own home or when visiting a friend or relative.

Are you familiar with the law on fencing of home pools?

If you are unsure of your obligations under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, check with your local council. But remember, even if your pool fencing does fully comply with the act, you still have to remain alert.

Ensure that:

The self latching gate is never propped open.
Nothing is left lying around that could be used to climb over the fence.
Fence and gate are in good working order. Gate latches should have no resistance to closure.
The spa pool cover is locked when the spa is not in use.
The spa pool is equipped with dual drains and drain covers that are required by current safety standards.

To enlarge and view the keep kids safe near water flyer as a PDF click on the link below or visit our Resources page to order a hardcopy.

Keep Kids Safe Flyer (215K)

Remember, no matter how good your fence and gate are there is no substitute for adequate supervision.

Home swimming and spa pools are not the only hazard faced by preschoolers in a home environment. Use our Be Water Wise Flyer and Home Water Safety Checklist above to help you identify any potential water hazards in and around your home.

Don't let your guard down at rivers, streams, lakes and the sea. These open waters are exciting, fun areas for children. But they too are potentially dangerous.

Therefore:

Closely supervise children yourself - do not leave the task to any lifeguards who might be on duty.
Never let children swim alone.
Learn how to read the water at the beach so that you can recognise dangerous places.
Never allow children to play unsupervised with inflatable toys. These "toys" are not lifesaving devices!

Rivers, streams and creeks are hazardous places because the power of the water is often underestimated - care must be taken at all times around these sites.

To enlarge and view the keep kids safe near water poster as a PDF click on the link below or visit our Resources page to order a hardcopy.

Keep Kids Safe Poster (382K)

Confidence

0 - 6 Months

Introducing children to water in 'fun' ways, in the familiar surroundings of their own home should help children enjoy water safely throughout their lives and is a process that can start from birth.

Water play can start as soon as the baby is established in the home. Bathing is a gentle way to introduce your baby to water, being supported in warm water can be a wonderful experience. Sessions should be non-stressful, warm, short and above all be comprised of enjoyable activities that are fun.

6 - 18 Months

At this age WSNZ recommends that young children attend water confidence classes that will make it much easier for your child to learn to swim when they reach the appropriate age.

Like bath time, water familiarisation sessions must be fun and non-threatening for both the baby and parent.

The main focus at this age is social and emotional experiences in water. While there are large physical changes in this age group, babies will adjust to cope with their water play.

Note: WSNZ recommends that babies under 6 months of age do not go into public swimming pools unless under professional guidance.

8 Months - 3 Years

Start to teach your child simple water safety rules like:

Waiting for an adult supervisor before entering the pool.
Walking around a pool side.

Water confidence and the teaching of safety rules can be continued through these important developmental months and will be beneficial when swimming lesson become appropriate at about 3 or 4 years of age.

3 Years and Over

From 3 years on you can begin swimming lessons. Keep in mind that swimming lessons will not ensure your child is totally water safe.

Note: WSNZ recommends that babies under 6 months of age do not go into public swimming pools unless under professional guidance
Like any experience children should be encouraged to learn at their own pace. Allow them time to experience the water and gain confidence in one aspect before progressing to another.

Click on the logos to visit Plunket and Safekids websites.

Resources are available from Water Safety New Zealand Inc

	Enquiries can be made to wsnz@watersafety.org.nz
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