Experts from The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and NSW Ambulance are urging parents to remain vigilant towards their children this summer following a year on year increase in child drowning incidents.
According to NSW health, 47 children presented to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick in 2022 and 49 in 2021, following a drowning incident.
Of the 49 drowning incidents seen by both hospitals in 2021, 60 per cent of children were under the age of five.
This summer, parents and caregivers are encouraged to designate a ‘Water Watcher’ to supervise children, and to ensure there is clear communication between adults about supervision.
Trauma Surgeon Dr Susan Adams has warned parents that even a momentary lapse in supervision to perform everyday tasks such as replying to a text message or grabbing a towel can be detrimental.
“A child can drown in just 20 seconds, in as little as five centimetres of water, and in absolute silence,” said Dr Adams.
“Children who survive drowning can suffer long-term brain damage, developmental delays and other health problems, so prevention is crucial.”
NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew McAlpine added that the emergency service received about 30 Triple Zero (000) calls a week over summer for water-related accidents.
“Knowing CPR and how to respond in case of an emergency can be the difference between life and death,” he said.
For more information on drowning prevention and water safety, visit: https://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/drowning-prevention-and-water-safety