Consumer Watch with Cheryle Dennis: Drownings and near misses in WA reinforce importance of water safety

With the recent drownings and near-drownings in Western Australia, it is a critical reminder to take water safety seriously. Drowning is a silent killer. It can happen to young children within just 20 seconds and in as little as 3cm of water. Figures from Royal Life Saving Australia show 281 people lost their lives to drowning across Australia in 2022-23, including 23 children under 14 years old. They estimate hundreds more were affected by near-drownings, which often requires hospitalisation and can leave people with life-changing disabilities. Portable pools, like the blow-up one you got out for the hot weather, might be small and seem safe, but they pose significant drowning risks to children. Did you know in WA, it is a legal requirement to have a fence with a gate that is self-closing and locks properly around any pool with more than 30cm of water? Pool fences should be checked regularly to make sure there are no holes or a broken gate. Families should also be mindful not to prop open pool gates or leave large items such as furniture near pool fences. We know how easily little ones can climb and these objects provide easy access. Flotation and aquatic toys are also not safety devices, so never assume that kids are safe in the water while wearing them. Drowning can happen to people at any age. Of the 31 people who sadly drowned in WA in 2022-23, more than 90 per cent were adults. Water safety around rivers, creeks, lakes, dams, the beach and in pools is everyone’s business and when it comes to children constant adult supervision is key. However, risk factors increase the likelihood of drowning in both adults and children. Consuming alcohol and drugs around water can affect a person’s balance, co-ordination and judgment, increasing the risk of drowning. When people are alcohol or drug-affected, they are also putting their children at risk because they require responsible adult supervision and may need help in an emergency. For more consumer advice around summer activities, visit: productsafety.gov.au/news/be-summer-safe-2023. Anyone thinking about buying a portable pool should spend a few minutes checking out www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/makeitsafe Cheryle Dennis is acting senior regional officer for Consumer Protection in the Mid West