Experts are advising adults to appoint a “water watcher” when supervising children after an increase in child drownings in New South Wales this year.
Forty seven children have gone to both The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick following drowning incidents so far in 2022.
Last year there were a total of 49 presentations to both hospitals.
Trauma Surgeon Dr SV Soundappan said the increase in child drownings was concerning.
“Children are naturally curious around water, however they don’t understand the dangers it can pose,” Soundappan said.
“Active adult supervision is vital when children are in or around any body of water.
“For young children, this means a responsible adult being in the water and within arm’s reach.”
Designating a “water watcher” to supervise children can ensure there is clear communication about who is watching children between parents and carers.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew McAlpine said about 30 Triple Zero (000) calls were made week each week over summer for water related accidents.
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“This makes it one of the busiest periods for NSW Ambulance, with nearly half of all yearly calls outs for drowning and water related incidents occurring in December to February,” McAlpine said.
“Knowing CPR and how to respond in case of an emergency can be the difference between life and death.
“The quick actions of bystanders and loved ones can help save lives and reduce serious or long-term injuries before medical professionals arrive on the scene”, he said.
“It is most often a family member who finds the child in a drowning incident, so every parent and carer needs to know the lifesaving skills of CPR.
“Any attempt at CPR is better than no attempt.”
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death and injury in children aged five or younger.
