As temperatures rise and families prepare to spend more time by the water, Kidsafe Victoria is urging parents and carers to ‘layer up this summer’ by putting multiple layers of protection in place to keep children safe in and around pools and spas.
Figures from Royal Life Saving Australia’s (RLSA) National Drowning Report show that 15 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned in 2024-25. Swimming pools were the leading location where these incidents occurred, accounting for 53 per cent of all toddler drowning deaths.
While pool and spa barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, Kidsafe said evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths involve barriers that are faulty, have not been maintained or are not compliant with Australian standards.
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,” Kidsafe Victoria chief executive Sarah Sexton said.
“Even the best pool fence can’t replace the need for active supervision, and even the most vigilant parent can’t rely on supervision alone. Drowning happens quickly and silently – it’s about putting as many safety layers in place as possible.”
Emergency doctors are also backing the campaign, warning that emergency departments continue to see preventable incidents every summer.
The Royal Children’s Hospital emergency medicine director Dr Stuart Lewena said: “No day by the pool or at the beach should end up in a trip to the Emergency Department or the ICU, but unfortunately, this is a tragedy we see far too often. For children, even just a few moments underwater can have devastating health consequences, limiting oxygen to the brain. We all have a responsibility to keep our kids safe around water”.
Ms Sexton said the Layer Up This Summer campaign is a timely reminder for all families to prepare before the hot weather hits.
“We want every Victorian family to enjoy summer safely. Take five minutes to check your pool barrier, refresh your first aid skills, and remember – supervision is the single most important layer of protection when it comes to kids and water.”
Details: www.kidsafevic.com.au.
