NSW Ambulance paramedics are urging vigilance around pools and waterways, with figures showing paramedics responded to 225 drownings/near drownings and cardiac arrests under water in the past two months.
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Inspector John Brotherhood, who has attended several of these incidents, said the trauma suffered by families and bystanders cannot be over-stated.
He said vigilance is essential wherever there is water, no matter the amount, or how old the child.
“We had a toddler who recently drowned in a nappy bucket. He just crawled up, fell in and couldn’t get himself out.
“Another case we attended, the lock was broken on the pool gate and the family thought, ‘We’ll get around to it’. In almost every case, it’s been the same story, the pool gates haven’t been fixed; the parents have been distracted or the kids have wandered out and got into trouble.”
He said displaying a CPR chart in a prominent area of pools was essential, as well as also learning CPR.
He added that being water-wise around areas which involve the unknown, like rivers, creeks, dams and estuaries is essential.
“If you’re going to go swimming have a plan. Take a friend. With rivers and estuaries, check for submerged objects and also the depth before jumping in.
“At the beach, look for rips, swim between the flags, and obey instructions from lifeguards.
“When it comes to pools there should be strict adherence to safety guidelines. Keep gates properly closed, remove items kids can use to climb fences, display a CPR chart and know what to do in an emergency.”
NSW Ambulance also advises:
- in a medical emergency dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for Ambulance;
- enrol your child in swimming lessons;
- don’t expect older children to look after younger siblings - children are easily distracted;
- check that your pool fence complies with the latest Australian Standards and is in good condition;
- take pool toys out when finished in the pool, so children can’t be tempted to try and get them; and
- don’t drink alcohol while swimming and especially when supervising children swimming. Alcohol can impair judgment, slow reaction times, impair coordination and result in greater risk- taking behaviour.
Letitia Fitzpatrick
Worked as a journalist and assistant producer for BBC news and current affairs in the UK, Ulster Television, Q Radio and the Irish News in Northern Ireland. Moved to Australia and joined Fairfax Media in 2016. Won a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship award in 2018 for reporting the Pappinbarra bushfires and the subsequent Rotary appeal which raised $30,000.
Worked as a journalist and assistant producer for BBC news and current affairs in the UK, Ulster Television, Q Radio and the Irish News in Northern Ireland. Moved to Australia and joined Fairfax Media in 2016. Won a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship award in 2018 for reporting the Pappinbarra bushfires and the subsequent Rotary appeal which raised $30,000.
