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Did you know drowning incidents are a leading cause of accidental deaths, with young children being the most affected? While the holiday season is the perfect time to relax, travel and have fun with loved ones, it can heighten the risk of water-related emergencies. Read on to discover how you and your loved ones can stay safe if you plan to spend time by the water these Easter holidays.

Why Drowning Incidents Increase During the Holidays

Chasing the last moments of summer around this time of year means spending time around water. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the surroundings, you might not be fully aware of safety water measures and areas to avoid. Here are some reasons which can lead to increased drowning incidents when on holiday:

• Increased Water Activities: Holiday destinations near beaches, pools, rivers, and dams can increase exposure to potential risks.
• Relaxed Supervision: You might become distracted by socialising and assume someone else is watching the children.
• Alcohol Consumption: Most holiday gatherings include alcohol, which impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making swimming more dangerous.
• Overconfidence in Water: Most adults and teens assume they can handle rough waves, deep pools, or unfamiliar waters, leading to tragic consequences.
• Unfenced or Uncovered Pools: Private pools without covers or barriers pose a constant risk, especially for toddlers who can drown in just a few centimetres of water.

Why Learning to Swim is a Life-Saving Skill

Chasing the last moments of summer around this time of year means spending time around water. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the surroundings, you might not be fully aware of safety water measures and areas to avoid. Here are some reasons which can lead to increased drowning incidents when on holiday:

• Increased Water Activities: Holiday destinations near beaches, pools, rivers, and dams can increase exposure to potential risks.
• Relaxed Supervision: You might become distracted by socialising and assume someone else is watching the children.
• Alcohol Consumption: Most holiday gatherings include alcohol, which impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making swimming more dangerous.
• Overconfidence in Water: Most adults and teens assume they can handle rough waves, deep pools, or unfamiliar waters, leading to tragic consequences.
• Unfenced or Uncovered Pools: Private pools without covers or barriers pose a constant risk, especially for toddlers who can drown in just a few centimetres of water.

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Water Safety

It’s normal to worry about your child’s safety, especially when you are swimming in unfamiliar waters. Taking proactive measures regarding water safety can give you peace of mind. These are some practical tips to consider:

Maintain Active Supervision

• Keep a close eye on your child even when the water looks shallow.
• Stay close enough to reach for your child should anything happen while they’re in the water.
• Have a sober adult who can monitor children during busy gatherings near water.

Educate Your Children on Water Safety

• Teach children the importance of asking for permission before getting into water.
• Explain how running near pools, diving in shallow areas, or playing rough in water can endanger their lives.

Secure Your Home Pool

• Install a pool fence with a self-latching gate to keep toddlers and pets out when unsupervised.
• Use pool covers and safety nets when the pool is not in use.
• Remove any toys or floats from the pool after swimming to prevent children from being tempted to reach in and fall.

Be Extra Cautious at Beaches and Public Pools

• Only swim in areas with lifeguards on duty and respect warning flags.
• Understand the dangers of rip currents and teach your children to swim closest to the shore, not against the currents.
• Avoid overcrowded pools where lifeguards may struggle to spot a struggling swimmer.

Learn CPR and Emergency Response

• Knowing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can mean the difference between life and death in a drowning emergency.
• If a child is missing, always check the water first – seconds count in drowning.
• Keep emergency numbers, including local lifeguard services and medical responders, saved on your phone.

While drowning can be life-threaten and happen quickly, it can be prevented. Teach your family how to swim, establish clear water rules, and always remain aware when you are near water. Keep your FREE-to-use iER App on standby when planning a trip to the coast these holidays to ensure you have nationwide 24/7 access to over 18,000 medical and non-medical emergency responders.