Water Safety at Different Lifestages

​Did you know that the risk factors for drowning vary depending on age? Which locations and hazards should you be most concerned about?
 
The Royal Life Saving Society Australia has identified key lifestages which pose specific risks.

0-12 months:
Three quarters of drowning deaths in this age group occur around the home. Bath time in particular is one of the highest dangers in this age group. A lack of constant active adult supervision is the main cause.

Reduce the risk:

• Ensure you have everything you need before entering the bathroom such as towels and pyjamas
• Do not leave children alone in the bath, or near the bath, and never in the care of older children

 
12-36 months:
More than 50% of drowning deaths in this age group occur in home swimming pools. Often children in this age group gain access to home pools without an adult realising.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Ensure pool fences are correctly installed, regularly maintained and gates are always shut
• Remove objects around the pool fences that children can climb to gain access to the pool
• Always actively supervise children around water

 
3-5 years:
More than 50% of drowning deaths in this age group occur in home swimming pools, with boys twice as likely to drown than girls.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Always actively supervise children around water, and be within arms’ reach
• Establish simple rules such as no going near water without an adult
• Learn CPR

 
6-10 years:
Almost three quarters of children who drown in this age group are boys. The highest number of drowning deaths occur at inland waterways such as rivers and lakes. In this age group, children may overestimate their own ability.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Always actively supervise children
• Continue with swim lessons to further develop water safety skills
• Adults should model safe behaviour around water

 
11-16 years:
In this lifestage, inland waterways pose the highest risk of drowning, with half of drowning deaths occurring in these locations. More than two thirds of these drownings are males. This lifestage sees teenagers participating in risk taking behaviour, with less supervision.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Discuss risk taking behaviours around water and the dangers of alcohol and drugs
• Teenagers can learn survival and rescue skills, as well as CPR and emergency skills

Whatever the lifestage, active adult supervision is a critical component to reducing drowning risks. 

For more information, visit the Royal Life Saving Society Australia

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)