Welcome to the April edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s e-news. This month we have some information on pedestrian safety for kids, changes to Victoria’s pool and spa barrier laws and the Victorian Department of Education and Training’s handy new Maternal and Child Health app. We also have some information on the most recent product recalls. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for regular safety tips and updates – happy reading and stay safe!

Changes to Victoria’s Swimming Pool and Spa Barrier Laws

On the 6th April the Victorian State Government announced proposed changes to the state’s pool and spa barrier laws. As part of the proposed regulatory changes:

• A mandatory register will be established including all household pools and spas across the state.
• A mandatory inspection regime will be implemented, seeing all pools and spas inspected as frequently as once every three years.
• A certificate of compliance will be required at point of sale or lease of a property.

Kidsafe Victoria supports the proposed changes – together with other industry stakeholders we have been campaigning over a number of years for the introduction of these measures.

The Government will introduce the regulatory overhaul into Parliament in June, with the new register and inspection regime expected to be in place by the 2018 summer season.

To find out more, please read the Government media release and Kidsafe Victoria’s media release.

Pedestrian safety with Elmo

Walking is great for children’s health and a good way to get around independently. However, being a pedestrian does involve a number of hazards, especially for young children.

Roads are designed with adults in mind, however children are not little adults – they are less developed physically, cognitively and in terms of their traffic experience. In this month’s blog post we have some important tips to help keep children safe as pedestrians at different ages.

To help teach your kids about road and pedestrian safety, you can also download our free Elmo Stays Safe app, e-Book and activities. Developed for use by adults with preschool aged children, the app features everyone’s favourite furry little red monster, Elmo, on his trip to the park with his Mum. There are a range of activities for children to do, including making sure Elmo is buckled up in the car, deciding when it is safe for Elmo to get out of the car and making sure everything is safe for Elmo and his Mum to cross the road.

Maternal and Child Health App

The Victorian Department of Education and Training’s MCH app provides trusted information on a wide range of topics, for families with children from birth to preschool age. Time-saving features include popular child health and development topics, a list of useful ‘click-to-call’ contacts, the ability to receive notifications and an interactive search feature.

This free app is available from the App Store or on Google Play – to download your copy today, please visit www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/mch/Pages/mch-app.aspx

Product Recalls

Park Avenue Foods- Star Wars Dyno Torch with Milk Chocolate Eggs

If the torch is dropped on a hard surface the button batteries may be released. If young children ingest button batteries that may suffer serious internal burn injuries. Consumers should immediately stop using this item and return it to their nearest Big W store for a full refund. For further information, please click here.

OZO E-Store- Baby Stroller

The stroller is not compliant with the mandatory standard for prams and strollers. The tether strap is not supplied and the brake is not red. If the products do not have the required safety features they may not be used correctly, posing a risk of injury to the child.

Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact OZO E-Store to arrange return and full refund. For further information, please click here.