As the weather warms up and more Victorians take to the water, Consumer Affairs Victoria is reminding people to use flotation devices and water toys safely.
Between 2004 and 2008, there were 38 hospital emergency visits recorded in Victoria for injuries involving children’s flotation aids and aquatic toys.
Children may be at risk of drowning or serious injury if a flotation aid fails or is not used properly. An average of 32 children under the age of five drown in Australia each year.
To reduce the risk, always read the warning labels carefully and follow the instructions when using swimming and flotation aids such as vests and ‘floaties’.
Flotation and aquatic toys come in many styles that kids can wear, hold on to, sit on or attach to their bodies – but they are not safety aids and should not be used as such.
Flotation aids and other water toys must always be used under competent and vigilant adult supervision. Keep children within arms reach when using them.
Water Safety Week is on from 26 November until 4 December. During the week, a range of activities are taking place to improve water safety skills and encourage people to ‘Play it Safe by the Water’.
Consumer Affairs Victoria reminds you:
- do not rely on flotation aids or aquatic toys as safety devices
- never leave a small child near water
- always supervise children in the water, even if they are confident swimmers
- if you have a pool, it is compulsory to install child resistant pool fences and gates. For more specific information, check with your local council.
More information on Water Safety Week is available at the Aquatics & Recreation Victoria website.
For further advice and information about product safety, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or view our Product safety section.