Sunraysia and Mallee parents are being urged to ‘layer up’ this summer to help keep children safe around pools and spas.
It follows two recent drowning incidents across the state and latest figures revealing 15 Australian children under the age of 5 drowned over the past twelve months (2024-2025).
Swimming pools were the number one location for children drowning over that period, accounting for more than 1 in 2 fatalities (53%).
Kidsafe Victoria CEO, Sarah Sexton, is urging local parents and pool and spa owners to have multiple measures in place to avoid a tragedy.
The Kidsafe campaign reminds Victorians that no single safety measure can prevent drowning. Effective prevention relies on a combination of safety measures, including:
● Regularly checking pool and spa barriers to ensure they are compliant and in proper working order
● Ensuring children are actively supervised by an adult at all times in and around water
● Enrolling children in water awareness and learn-to-swim classes
● Undertaking a first aid/CPR course and updating these skills regularly
“Every layer saves lives.”
Image: Water Swimming Pool – Free photo on Pixabay
