Eight ways to keep little ones safe
Constant active adult supervision at all times - Always keep babies and toddlers within arms' reach around all forms of water from the bath to the beach. It takes less than a minute for a child to drown in only cms of water so always keep them near. Read more.
If you're in a group, have an active adult supervision roster - Don't rely on older children to supervise younger ones in, on or around water. Constant active adult supervision is required at all times. Read more.
Identify water hazards in and around the home - Ensure your pool is properly fenced and complies with the safety requirements under pool safety legislation that came into effect in 2017. Check that properly working safety latches and fences meet the requirements set out in the Building Act. Empty water from paddling pools, buckets and containers after use and ensure you have a safely fenced area to for your children to play in. Read more.
Use a bathmat - Water Safety New Zealand, in partnership with Plunket, supply bathmats to new parents to keep their babies and toddlers safe at bath time. The bathmats stop your child from slipping and reinforce the message that you should NEVER leave your baby or toddler unsupervised in the bath even to answer the phone or the door. Read more.
Avoid distraction - Put your phone away when supervising children around water. Their lives are in your hands and their safety requires your full attention. A child can drown in the time it takes to read a text message. When bathing your baby take the phone of the hook and shut the door. Focus your attention on your baby or toddler. Read more.
Is the gate shut? Parents, you have a responsibility to keep your child safe around water. If you have a swimming pool, it must be fenced and your spa pool covered. Read about the rules and regulations Read more.
Teach your children water safety behaviours - As soon as they are old enough to understand, teach your children things like 'never go near the water unless you're with a grown up'. It is important that our children are taught that while water is to be enjoyed, it must also be respected. It is imperative that they are taught about the risks and dangers associated with water based activities. Read more.
Support your child and give them enjoyable and positive early experiences around water - It is important to begin your child's aquatic education early and it is as simple as taking them to a pool for a fun splash around. It is cruical that every New Zealand child learns how to enjoy the water from an early age for they can learn essential aquatic skills to keep them safe. Read more.