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”.

“Because of water restrictions there are millions of buckets of water being stored in homes every day in Victoria. Each bucket represents a potential drowning situation, or near-drowning situation which can leave children with severe brain damage”.

Parents are urged to be ensure their environmentally-friendly practices do not simultaneously endanger their children’s lives. With the main focus being on saving water, many parents are unaware of the risk of drowning. A child can drown in less than 10cm of water.

 “It has become popular for people to collect water in over-sized buckets (such as nappy buckets, mop buckets, etc) and without a lid these buckets become a major risk” Dr Stokes advised.  

Kidsafe Victoria is urging parents across Victoria to immediately conduct an audit on how they are storing the water, and to remove the drowning hazard of buckets of water.  “Empty the bucket of water into the garden immediately to protect children …this is a very clear and simple life-saving message.”  

Dr Stokes said, “Leaving wading pools filled after use as a response to water restrictions can also create a major and deadly hazard for toddlers; always empty these straight after use.”

Remember too, that toddlers and small children need strict supervision at all times, especially around swimming pools, wading pools and baths.

During today’s hot weather, cars can also become life-threateningly hot in minutes. Kidsafe Victoria urges parents to ensure their children are not left unattended in vehicles and that parked cars are always locked in the driveway. “The inside of a car can heat up quickly and result in a child’s death or severe brain injury,” cautioned Dr Stokes.