As the weather becomes warmer and the days get sunnier, we are preparing for visitors and residents to return to our waterways.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lake Canobolas is just waiting to accept a glut of locals and visitors into its welcoming waters, while a host of nearby rivers, lakes and dams are sure to attract Orange’s families.
This means we are also, unfortunately, nearing the time of year when we hear about a drowning or two in the river.
However, our own backyard could be what poses the biggest threat to our children.
The Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s recent report reveals that 965 children aged four and under drowned in the past 25 years. That’s almost 39 children a year.
Another 7300 were involved in near-drowning incidents, most resulting in hospitalisation.
One child losing their life in a backyard drowning is one too many, so let’s make sure we all take every step available to keep the total lives lost to zero.
And swimming pools were noted as being the most dangerous locations for drownings.
The backyard swimming pool legislation that was implemented in recent years affected hundreds of homes in the region.
Only one of 61 backyard swimming pools inspected by Orange City Council officers met the required safety standards at the start of 2017.
The owners of the 60 pools that failed the state government’s strict pool fencing regulations were required to fix the problems.
That was extra cost and effort to some households who had to upgrade their pool area to ensure it met the new regulations, but it was a small price to pay considering the alternative.
Parents spend every day ensuring their children are safe. It is one of the main roles of a parent, to ensure their child’s safety.
And it is heartbreaking to think that the backyard swimming pool, the source of much joy and location for gatherings of family and friends, could also be a hazard to our children and the site of disaster.
Supervising a child when they are near the water is the best way to prevent a disaster but in the event of an emergency, it’s important to know what to do.
Any parent who owns a pool, or people who frequently have children visit theirs, should have a knowledge of CPR or water safety.
One child losing their life in a backyard drowning is one too many, so let’s make sure we all take every step available to keep the total lives lost to zero.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND VIEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below …