Farm Safety: Watch those Water Hazards

Farm Safety: Watch those Water Hazards

Farms are great places to spend the school holidays but visitors must remember that as a workplace there are hazards to be aware of says Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) Vice President Charlie Pedersen.

"Parents and Guardians need to take particular care with children who may be unaware of the dangers on farms.

"Waterbodies in the shape of creeks, rivers, ponds, dams and troughs are a normal and essential part of the farming environment. But to the young and inexperienced they present a potential danger.

"Farms can be fun, and water provides welcome relief from the summer sun. However children can drown very quickly and emergency services are unlikely to be in time - so extra care is required.

Federated Farmers supports a recent Coroner's recommendation, following the tragic drowning of a young girl in a water trough, that extra care is required with regard to children under the age of three years.

"Parents and Guardians should ensure that children are adequately supervised and that special care is taken with young children and with those who cannot swim well or at all.

"Federated Farmers wants all farm visitors experience of rural New Zealand to be an enjoyable and rewarding one and for them to return home safe and sound," Mr Pedersen concluded.

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