Playing safe around water

Media Release
23 September 2008
For immediate release

Playing safe around water

According to recent statistics released by Water Safety New Zealand, five pre-schoolers have drowned so far this year. Plunket urges vigilance from parents and caregivers when their children are playing around water.

Plunket's National Child Safety Advisor, Sue Campbell says, "Young children drown quickly and quietly, they need constant, active supervision by an adult to keep them safe."

Plunket encourages parents and caregivers to help their young children become familiar and confident, in and around water. Opportunities to attend water confidence and swimming classes are encouraged however they don't take away from the need for you to stay with your pre-schooler around any water whether it be bath, pond, river or sea.

With the weather getting better, summer fast approaching and children spending more time outside, Plunket urges parents to keep their children safe while in and around any water.

If you can answer 'yes' to these points you are well on the way to keeping your children safe around water:

• our swimming and spa pool is correctly fenced in compliance with the Fencing of Swimming Pools act 1987
• we empty the paddling pool when it isn't in use
• we always stay with our children in and around the pool
• we make sure an adult is actively supervising children around water - keeping our children within reach
• we remember that flotation aids such as arm bands or water rings do not keep our child safe

Being safe in the water means having fun, being with children and enjoying the experiences together, you just need to be aware of the dangers. Remember - keep children within reach around water!

ENDS

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