Water Watcher Armband

Drowning is a leading cause of death among children aged five years or less. In New South Wales, approximately 11 children drown each year with a further 90 children being hospitalised for near drowning. Between January 1995 and April 2001, 82 children aged five years or less drowned in New South Wales with over 40% of these drownings occurring in swimming pools.

Supervision played a role in all cases of drowning with over 75% of children being left alone without adult supervision. It is important to supervise children when they are in and around water, even at a pool party environment when everyone thinks that someone else is watching their children, when in fact no one is actually supervising.

In response, The Children's Hospital at Westmead re-launched a fluoro water watcher armband to highlight the importance of supervising young children in and around water. The armband was designed for use during outdoor gatherings to ensure that at least one adult is watching children at all times. This provides everyone with an opportunity to join in the social activities except for their allotted time 'on duty' watching the children. The armband easily identifies the person watching the children, but by no means absolves others from responsibility.

Remember to:

• Supervise your children in and around water and stay within arms reach. An occasional glance by an adult or supervision by older siblings or friends is not sufficient.
• Ensure your pool is fenced and complies with Australian Standards. The fence and gate should be in good working order. Clear the pool area of objects children could use to climb the fence. Make sure the gate is NEVER left/propped open.
• Learn infant/child cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation and display a chart in the pool area.
• Familiarise your children with water. Teach them to swim, however keep in mind that this does not ensure the safety of your child. Swimming lessons and flotation devices are not substitutes for adult supervision.

Water Watcher Armbands are kindly supported by Shell Clyde & Gore Bay Staff and Contractors.

Kindly supported by Shell Clyde and Gore Bay Staff and Contractors.