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11/01/10

Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) encourages residents to practice safe swimming this summer, especially for parents supervising children.

GSAHS recognises that learning to swim is a vital skill for all ages, especially children. Water familiarisation classes introduce children to basic water safety and have been shown to build confidence. It is recommended that parents utilise accredited instructors to ensure the highest standard of instruction. For more information, speak to your local pool staff.

This training is no substitute for supervision of children however, with many drownings occurring within a few seconds that parents are distracted. Supervision of your child must be continuous to ensure their safety.

It is mandatory in NSW that all pools have an appropriate child resistant barrier installed, and an appropriate resuscitation sign displayed in the immediate pool area. All parents should also have current resuscitation training, which could save a childs life in the event of a near-drowning.

It is essential that children are not left unsupervised. Parents should take children with them if they leave the pool or bathtub area.

Parents must ensure that other sources of drowning are controlled such as emptying the bathtub or spa, placing lids on buckets, and ensuring access is restricted from open drains, garden ponds, creeks and dams.

When visiting a beach stay between the red and yellow flags which indicates patrolled areas. If you are unsure of the surf conditions, speak with a lifeguard or lifesaver for information on possible rip locations. (Rips are fast moving currents which can quickly take swimmers out into deep water). If you experience difficulty when swimming at the beach raise one arm and wave toward shore, float and wait for assistance.

When rock-fishing, never fish alone, check the weather, wear suitable clothing and a life vest if necessary, and always watch the waves.

GSAHS Director of Critical Care, Ms Trish SaccasanWhelan, advises to never enter the water if you are intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, immediately after a meal or if you are not a confident swimmer. It is never advisable to dive into water where conditions can change or you are unsure of the depth of the water.
 
Ms SaccasanWhelan said; “Alcohol and swimming really don’t mix. Due to the way alcohol can slow response times and dampen coordination, entering the water while intoxicated can rapidly turn into a life threatening situation.”

For further information, visit www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au