With winter arriving next week and families spending more time indoors, Kidsafe Victoria is reminding parents and carers that water safety remains just as important during the cooler months, with many drowning hazards found in and around the home.
While water safety is often front of mind during summer, young children can drown quickly and silently all year round, even in small amounts of water.
The latest Life Saving Victoria Drowning Report revealed that five children aged 0-14 tragically lost their lives to drowning in Victoria in 2024-25, with many incidents occurring around the home.
“It only takes a few centimetres of water and as little as 20 seconds for a young child to drown,” said Kidsafe Victoria CEO Sarah Sexton. “As we head into the colder months, many families naturally stop thinking about water safety, but hazards inside and around the home remain just as dangerous.”
From bathtubs and buckets to pet water bowls, fish ponds and eskies with melted ice, everyday household items can pose a serious risk to curious young children.
“Drowning is often silent and can happen much faster than people realise,” Ms Sexton said. “Parents and carers can’t rely on hearing splashing or cries for help, which is why active supervision is so important whenever young children are around water.”
Kidsafe Victoria is encouraging families to stay vigilant year round and be aware of common household water hazards, particularly as routines change during the cooler seasons and more time is spent at home.
Kidsafe Victoria’s top home water safety tips:
- Always actively supervise children around water: Keep young children within arm’s reach at all times around water, with no distractions. Never leave children unattended, even for a moment.
- Check your home for hidden water hazards: Buckets, baths, eskies, fish ponds, pet water bowls and other containers holding water can all pose a risk to young children.
- Empty water containers immediately after use: Empty baths, buckets and paddling pools straight after use and store them safely out of reach.
- Be prepared: Have everything you need ready before bath time or water play so you don’t need to leave children unattended.
- Learn CPR and first aid: In an emergency, quick action can save a child’s life. Families are encouraged to complete a CPR and first aid course and refresh their skills regularly.
“Water safety isn’t just a summer conversation,” Ms Sexton said. “By staying aware of hazards around the home and supervising children closely, families can help prevent tragedies before they happen.”