With the presents out of their boxes, parents are being reminded about the importance of water safety – especially around portable pools.

Portable pools can pose a significant risk for young children and floatation devices can provide parents with a false sense of security.

The state government is reminding parents that children can drown in a small amount of water and that it only takes a few seconds so please be vigilant around water this summer.

Parents are being urged to ensure they never leave children unattended and remember the SAFE principle:

• Supervise – always stay within arm’s reach of a child while there’s water in the pool.
• Act – learn CPR and be emergency ready.
• Fence – fence off any pool that’s more than 30 centimetres in depth.
• Empty – empty the pool after use and store safely.

It is also reminding parents that aquatic toys and flotation devices are not safety devices. Children who can't swim may drown if their aquatic toy fails or if they don't use it properly.

When buying or using aquatic toys, check the age and weight restrictions to make sure the products are appropriate for use. Read the warning labels and packaging carefully and follow instructions for proper assembly and use.

More information on pool safety and other safety tips for summer can be found online. 

Jake Culkin, Royal Life Saving SA, says children aged 0–4 years represent the highest number of swimming pool drowning deaths in the last 20 years. 

“Royal Life Saving research found a total of 282 children aged 0 – 4 years lost their lives in a swimming pool between 2002 and 2022. 

“The Royal Life Saving Keep Watch program promotes four actions to keep children safe around the water; Supervise, Act, Fence and Empty. 

“Remember, kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to. Keep Watch.”