Water Safety

Whether it is the bath, a paddling pool or the beach, the same rules should always apply. Children must always be supervised when near water.

At bath time, you should always have eyes on your child and they should always be within arm’s reach. Bath drownings are increasing and the most common reason is because there was no adult to respond to the situation.

The most common reasons children were left alone in the bath were: taking a phone call, popping out to get something e.g. a towel, confusion about who was supervising the child, or needing to take care of other young children.

Parents thought they’d hear if their child got into difficulties and didn’t realise how quiet drowning can be. In some cases, a parent thought the bath seat would keep their baby safe for a few minutes.

Paddling pools can be great for children but they should always be supervised when using them. Children can drown in an inch of water so supervision is key to keeping them safe. The plastic bases on these pools can be very slippery and children may slip and hurt themselves.

When planning a trip to the beach, always choose a beach were the lifeguards are on duty and make sure you know where they are.

Check the tides before you get to the beach. Children and adults may get caught out by rising tides which can often lead to dangerous situations.

Always take note of what your child is wearing. If they do get lost this will help to find them.

When in the sea children need adult supervision at all times.

Make sure children know how to raise the alarm if they get into difficulty either in the water or on the rocks.