KIDS
Stay water safe YOUNG CHILDREN LOVE WATER AND IT IS FUN FOR EVERYBODY, AS WELL AS GREAT EXERCISE. BUT WATER SAFETY FOR KIDS DEPENDS ON YOU OR ANOTHER GROWN-UP ALWAYS WATCHING YOUR CHILD WHEN IN, ON OR AROUND ANY WATER. HERE ARE SOME BASIC TIPS TO STAY WATER SAFE.
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he home environment has many hidden drowning hazards for children. Drowning deaths can occur not only in pools and spas, but in bathtubs, toilets, washing machines and buckets. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly.
AT HOME • Always stay within an arm’s reach of your child when they are near pools, spas, bathtubs, toilets or buckets. • Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed. • Empty all buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use. Store them upside-down and out of children’s reach. • Always empty the baby bath as soon as you’re finished with it so older siblings can’t climb in. • Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks. • Close top loading washing machines.
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mychild | february 2015
• Use a nappy bucket with a tight-fitting lid and keep the bucket closed, off the floor and out of your child’s reach • Never leave your child unattended in the bath or around any other body of water, even if he or she knows how to swim. • Never leave your child alone or in the care of older children during bath time.
IN AND AROUND PUBLIC POOLS & SPAS • All gates to swimming pool areas should always be kept closed. • Keep older children in sight at all times. Public pool areas can be very busy. Younger children should always be within arm’s reach. • Be aware toys and other floating devices as they can block your view. • If you leave the pool or water area, even for a moment, take the children with you. • Always check the temperature of the spa