Kidsafe Victoria today released a RED ALERT for parents who store water in buckets and wading pools to save water to be extra-careful not to increase the risk of drowning to toddlers in homes.  

Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said, ”As Victoria experiences extreme heat it is important for parents to be conscious of extra risks especially to babies and toddlers”.

Make your child’s safety a winner and use Melbourne Cup Day to check the pool gate is the message from Archicentre and Kidsafe Victoria.  

Earlier this year the Royal Life Saving Society forecast an increase in toddler drowning by 20%.  

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and Kidsafe Victoria said, Pool Gate Week which should commence on Melbourne Cup Day each year would provide an annual focus for all pool owners and visitors with toddlers to have the safety message reinforced at the beginning of warmer weather. 

Professor Mark Stokes, President Kidsafe Victoria and Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre said, Pool Gate Week should be used to focus national attention on pool fencing maintenance and pool safety procedures including parental supervision.