Child safety experts are reminding parents to relax but be ready during the summer holiday break.
“Summer holidays are a great time to relax with family and friends and enjoy a well-earned break after a busy year,” says Kidsafe Victoria CEO, Sarah Sexton.
“But it’s also a time when we’re swimming at pools or the beach, hosting friends and family, or travelling to see them, which brings a new range of potential hazards for children.”
While summer is a season of joy, it also presents risks families should be aware of. Since 2012, an average of 41 children have been killed or injured each year in low-speed vehicle runover incidents in Victoria. Heartbreakingly, last year there was a spike of 6 deaths from these preventable tragedies.
Most incidents occurred when drivers were returning to or leaving home or repositioning their vehicle, with 72% of cases involving vehicles moving forward.
Drowning also remains one of the biggest killers of children in Victoria. New data from Life Saving Victoria reveals that 5 children aged under 14 years tragically lost their lives to drowning in 2023-24.
While drownings among infants aged under 4 years decreased by 13% compared to the 10-year average, there was a concerning 20% increase in drowning deaths among children aged 5-14 years. Alarmingly, infants aged 0-4 years also accounted for the highest number of emergency department presentations and hospital admissions for non-fatal drownings.
Ms. Sexton emphasises the importance of combining relaxation with readiness during the holiday season.
“While it’s essential to unwind, we urge parents and carers to remain alert to potential hazards during the summer period, and use these simple but effective tips to ensure your family can have a safe and enjoyable break” she says.
For more information and resources on child safety, please visit www.kidsafevic.com.au
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