Parents are being urged to be vigilant with young children around water this summer, following multiple presentations to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for near-drownings and tragically one death.

In 2024 10 children aged 10 months to 14-years-old were admitted to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for drowning incidents – nine children for near drownings and sadly a four-year-old who passed away.

In 2023, 10 children also required treatment for drowning incidents – eight for near drownings and two children who tragically died. All 10 were under the age of five.

South Australia averages around 2.4 child deaths a year from drownings. Most involve children aged one to four years and occur in private pools – often involving non-compliant pool fencing, open or unlocked gates and lapses in supervision.

Drowning is the world’s leading cause of unintentional death for children aged one to three. The most common factor for infant drownings is leaving children unsupervised. 

Parents and caregivers are reminded to also stay alert around small bodies of water, like bathtubs and blow-up pools. Experts advise that a child can drown silently in as little as three centimetres of water, in less than 20 seconds. 

About a quarter of all drowning deaths of children aged one to four years occur due to incidents involving bathtubs or small bodies of water. Importantly, for every child who drowns, ten others are rescued from a near drowning incident.

Women’s and Children’s Hospital Paediatric Trauma Nurse Consultant Jacqueline Winters says non-fatal or near drowning incidents cause numerous preventable injuries each year. 

“Children can suffer significantly with long term effects including brain damage and permanent disability.

“We are urging families to be extremely cautious around water and make sure they’re prepared if anything happens. The first few minutes of an emergency can make the difference between life and death. Every second counts and we urge parents to familiarise themselves with first aid.”

Emergency department physicians have these safety tips:

• Teach children to swim from a young age.
• Ensure children are wearing fit-for-purpose flotation devices and bright swimwear so it is easy to see them in the water.
• Always have a dedicated adult supervising children and avoid distractions including mobile phones.
• Remove toys from pools so they don’t attract children.
• Do not allow children to play near or sit on pool or spa drains. Body parts and hair may be sucked in because of the strong suction.
• Learn resuscitation.
• Ensure pool fencing is compliant - gates self-close, there are no climbable objects near, there is no excess space under the fence and gates are not propped open.

For anyone experiencing an emergency around water, call Triple Zero immediately.

If a child requires urgent care but you aren’t sure if they need an emergency department, contact the Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service from any mobile device. For more information on water safety tips visit the SA Health website.