water safety for kids
drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in Australian children aged 1–3. a child can drown in as little as 5cm of water in under 30 seconds — silently. supervision is the single most important thing you can do.
#1
cause of accidental death in children 1–3
5cm
of water is enough for a child to drown
silent
drowning is almost always silent — no splashing
supervision rules
- •active supervision means within arm's reach for children under 5
- •watch constantly — don't check your phone, read, or do chores
- •designate one adult as the 'water watcher' at gatherings — swap every 15 minutes
- •never leave a child alone in the bath — not even for a second (not to answer the phone, door, or check on another child)
- •siblings cannot supervise younger children around water
- •drowning is silent — you won't hear splashing or screaming
water hazards at home
children can drown in any water source. common home hazards include:
- •bathtubs — the most common drowning location for babies under 1
- •swimming pools and spas — must be fenced to Australian Standards
- •portable and inflatable pools — empty after every use
- •buckets, eskies, and nappy soaking buckets
- •pet water bowls
- •garden ponds, water features, and dams
- •toilets — use toilet locks for toddlers
- •washing machines — keep lids closed
learn to swim — age guide
6 months – 3 years
water familiarisation classes. focus on comfort, floating, and parent-child bonding in water. does not make children drown-proof.
3–4 years
start structured swim lessons. learning basic water safety, floating, and kicking.
5–7 years
most children can learn to swim independently. aim for at least 25 metres of freestyle and backstroke.
8+ years
building stamina and technique. introduce survival swimming, treading water, and rescue awareness.
important:swim lessons don't make children drown-proof. supervision is always required regardless of swimming ability.
beach and ocean safety
- •always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches
- •check conditions before you go — Surf Life Saving has a free BeachSafe app
- •hold your child's hand when near the water's edge — waves are unpredictable
- •watch for rip currents — they can pull even adults out to sea quickly
- •if caught in a rip: stay calm, float, raise your arm for help, swim parallel to the shore
- •never let children swim alone — always in pairs with adult supervision
- •apply sunscreen and reapply after swimming (see our sun safety guide)
if a child is drowning
- 1.remove the child from the water immediately
- 2.call 000
- 3.check for breathing — if not breathing, start CPR immediately
- 4.for babies: 2 rescue breaths, then 30 chest compressions (two fingers)
- 5.for children: 2 rescue breaths, then 30 chest compressions (one or two hands)
- 6.continue CPR until help arrives
- 7.even if the child seems fine after a near-drowning, always go to hospital — secondary drowning can occur hours later
learn CPR before you need it. see our first aid guide for course details.
related guides
water safety information based on Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia guidelines. for more information visit royallifesaving.com.au.