Parents and carers across Sunraysia and the Mallee are being urged to take immediate steps to reduce the risk of children drowning on farms.
The call comes this National Farm Safety Week (20-26 July) and as figures reveal inland waterways remain one of the most common locations for child and toddler fatalities.
Local parents and landholders are reminded to stay vigilant, even in times of drought or low rainfall, and be alert to water hazards, including dams, irrigation channels and septic pits.
Kidsafe Victoria CEO, Sarah Sexton, says farming properties have several unique risks when it comes to children and water.
Farm water safety tips:
● Make sure children are always actively supervised by an adult when in or around water. For toddlers, this means having an adult within arm’s reach.
● Establish a securely fenced safe play area away from water hazards, machinery and animals.
● Cover water tanks, check septic lids are secure, and fill or fence any ditches or post holes.
● Enrol children in swimming lessons from an early age.
● Learn CPR and refresh your skills regularly.
● Dress children in brightly coloured clothing for better visibility.
● Check dams and creeks for a change in conditions such as higher water levels and debris. Where practical, remove any floating objects in dams that may attract curious children.
For more information on child water safety on farms, and to download the Farm Water Safety Checklist, visit https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/puddle-water-rain-splash-2584378/
