Parents are on high alert after a new study revealed a popular Aussie activity claimed the lives of 532 young children in 19 years.
Australian parents have been given a terrifying warning ahead of the summer months, with new research revealing just how common childhood drowning truly is.
According to the Royal Life Saving findings, 532 children aged under four drowned in Australia over the last 19 years.
Of that number, 40 per cent were just one year old, with the organisation revealing the risk of drowning triples as soon as a child starts to crawl, with the risk peaking soon after a child’s first birthday.
And on top of those tragic fatalities, Royal Life Saving also found that for every drowning death among under-fours, eight children will be admitted to hospital as a result of a non-fatal drowning, with the average stay totalling 1.5 days.
Sadly, some will be left with lifelong brain injuries.
More than half of all deaths – 52 per cent – occurred in swimming pools, with 77 per cent of fatalities caused by a child accidentally falling into water.
In almost all cases, the child wasn’t properly supervised at the time.
With 38 per cent of drownings occurring in summer, Royal Life Saving has kicked off its Keep Watch campaign, reminding parents that drowning is often quick and silent, but usually preventable.
CEO Justin Scarr said the campaign aimed to raise awareness of four easy safety tips – Supervise, Restrict, Teach and Respond.
“We know that the risk of drowning triples once a child turns one and they become more mobile,” Mr Scarr said.
“Children are curious about their surroundings, which means parents and carers cannot afford to be complacent around the water. We are reminding parents that ‘Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to’.
“Children who suffer a non-fatal drowning may experience long-term health complications or life-changing injuries. This is devastating for families.”
Mr Scarr said supervision was the most important factor when it came to prevention.
“This year has been challenging for parents, in many cases families have tried to juggle working and schooling from home. We are worried this could lead to distractions and lapses in adult supervision,” Mr Scarr said.
“We urge parents and carers to Keep Watch this summer. Check your pool fence and gate to make sure they are in working order.
“If supervision fails, a functioning pool fence and gate is the next line of defence working to keep your child safe from drowning.”
The organisation noted that everyday distractions – such as answering the front door or checking an email – could be all it takes for a nightmare to unfold.
Click here for more information about the campaign.
Originally published as Horrifying research finds drowning claimed the lives of more than 500 kids in less than two decades
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