LSV’s Dr Bernadette Matthews said even one drowning was one too many, and that the three organisations were committed to working together to implement the recommendations and prevent further tragedy.
“It’s paramount that people understand just how quickly children can get into serious danger around water,” she said.
“It takes just 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water to drown — that’s less time than it takes to boil the kettle.
“Kids are active and inquisitive and can get away from you before you even notice they’re gone, which is why we strongly advocate for safety barriers around water to restrict access. It’s one of the most effective prevention strategies against drowning for young children.”
If children do get away from adults, Farmsafe Australia chair Felicity Richards said ensuring they were wearing brightly coloured clothing could make them easier to spot, sooner.
“Avoid dressing kids in dull greens, browns, or greys, and instead opt for something brighter that stands out in all environments,” Mrs Richards said.
“This can help you spot them before they slip away, and make it easier to find them if they do go missing.
“It’s good advice for kids on farms generally to wear bright clothes. It's much easier to see a child from a tractor or other farm machinery if they're in fluro.”
Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers said if there were children living or visiting a property with water, it made sense to have an emergency action plan in place for water safety.
“That means knowing where water is located and checking there first as soon as you realise your child is missing, having a means of calling for help, and critically, knowing CPR. It could save your child’s life if the unthinkable was to happen,” he said.
