It’s hard to believe this year is almost over – we hope you are all making plans to take time out and look after yourselves.

Coming up to the festive session, we have a couple of child safety reminders:

• – check presents or cards for button batteries and magnets and make sure these are secure
• – if giving or receiving gifts such as bikes or scooters, make sure there is safety equipment to go with it such as a helmet
• – actively supervise children at gatherings, around pools, driveways and other hazards – read Mel Anderson’s moving story below to find out why this is so important
• – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide as the hot weather is hopefully here to stay over the holidays
• – ensure young children are safely out of the kitchen and away from BBQs when you are cooking up a feast

 

In exciting news, we will be hosting a Gala Ball fundraiser in March – our first ever! – we’d love to see you there. You can book a table through this link, or touch base with alex@kidsafevic.com.au if you are interested in sponsoring or donating auction items. If you’re unable to attend, we’d be most grateful if you would consider donating to support our services – all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up to date with our latest tips and advice.

From all of us at the Kidsafe Victoria team – we wish you a safe and happy festive season and we look forward to touching base in the New Year!

 

CHRISTMAS PAST AND PRESENT – A MEMORY THAT IS FOREVER IN MUM – MEL’S – MIND

Every Christmas and Boxing Day, Mel relives the moment that she realised her son, Matt, was out of sight and feels sick to her stomach all over again.

“One second he was at my feet and the next, I looked down and Matty was gone”

Christmas is still a time of celebration for Mel’s family, but it doesn’t pass without an acknowledgement that life could be very different.

Read Mel’s Story here

 

Even on a mild day, a car can get as hot as an oven

The weather in Victoria is so unpredictable – that’s what some of us love about where we live (and others can’t stand it). One thing that is certain is when summer hits, there will be some scorching hot days.

Did you know that even on a seemingly ‘mild’ day, the temperature inside a parked car can be anywhere from 20 – 30 degrees hotter than outside?

The majority of the temperature rise occurs within the first 5 minutes of turning off the car. Large cars heat up just as quickly as small ones and leaving the windows down does little to stop the temperature rise.

Children’s body temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adults – this means that leaving them inside a car (or fur babies), even for a short period of time, can be fatal. A quick trip to pick up groceries or post a parcel can take longer than you realise. The queue lengths are unpredictable, you may not be able to find what you are looking for or you might bump into a friend – and before you know it, the inside of your car can be as hot as an oven.

Watch Rylee’s story and support their national petition calling for child detection systems to be mandated for all new cars. The petition closes on December 29th, so please take the time to show your support by signing.

Click here to find out more information on the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars.

 

Distractions lead to fatal danger for children around water

Did you know that 20 seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown?

Children can get into trouble around water quickly, which is why it’s important that they are actively supervised by an adult at all times.

Research into fatal toddler drowning incidents conducted by UNSW Sydney, James Cook University and Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, found that household chores – everyday tasks such as checking on dinner, taking the out the rubbish or putting the washing out – were the most common distractions which led to lapses in supervision of children around water (41%). This was followed by talking or socialising (11%) and electronic distractions (9%).

At holiday gatherings with friends and family, it can often seem like there is extra supervision with so many adults around, when in fact, nobody may be actively supervising the kids. We suggest having designated supervisors so it is always clear who has the responsibility. Why not even have a fun hat or lanyard to keep it festive as well as a visual reminder? The ‘water supervisor hats’ can be passed onto other adults throughout the day so everyone has a chance to enjoy the festivities.

Learn more about keeping kids safe around water here

 

 

CFA Bushfire Advice

Victorians will most certainly be eager to hit the road and explore our state and the rest of the country, but after a year spent at home, have you considered your bushfire plan while travelling?

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) are urging travellers on our roads to be FireReady this summer by staying informed, being prepared, and packing essentials so you’re ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

You can also download the VicEmergency app and save the VicEmergency Hotline number (1800 226 226) to your contacts before you leave so you can check the conditions regularly throughout your travels.

For more information on how to travel safely this bushfire season, please click here.

 

 

 

Safe Seats, Safe Kids Wrap Up

The Safe Seats, Safe Kids Program has wrapped up for another year, and we’d like to thank our hard working fitters who travelled far and wide and the broader Victorian community who have shown us immense support.

Despite the numerous challenges that COVID-19 has posed, over 1,100 free fitting and checking days were scheduled at venues across the state, with thousands of families provided with practical information and advice to assist them to ensure their children are travelling safely on every trip.

We were also proud to welcome 10 new child car restraint fitters across metropolitan and regional Victoria to the program, with more to come next year.

The feedback we’ve received over the past year has been incredibly encouraging, and reminds us of why we do what we do:

“This was an extremely professional and informative service. The information and advice provided is invaluable.”

“Installer was fabulous, took time and explained things and answered our many questions. Felt she was very invested in my daughter’s safety.”

“I think this is a fantastic initiative. My husband lost his job and money has been tight, so it was great to have this available to us. Thank you.”

 

The Safe Seats, Safe Kids Team wishes you a happy and safe festive season on the roads!

Register to receive an email notification when new Safe Seats, Safe Kids program dates are released in your municipality in 2022 and make your bookings here.

 

Kidsafe in the News

Kidsafe & Hunter Boyle – Herald Sun – Victoria Records Deadliest Year for Drownings in Decades
Kidsafe & Hunter Boyle – Shepparton News – Hunter Boyle Remembered Amid Alarming Rise in Child Drowning Fatalities
Kidsafe & Bella’s Footprints – Surf Coast Times – Billboard Shares a Lifesaving Message
ABC News – Family Pleads With Pool Owners to Check Gates Ahead of ‘Drowning Season’
Bendigo Advertiser – Dad’s Helmet Message: Pay a Little Bit Extra Because It Will Save Your Child’s Life
9 News – Toddler Killed, Sibling and Parents Among the Injured in Major Crash on Calder Freeway in Melbourne
ABC News – Four Children Die in House Fire in Werribee in Melbourne’s South-WestDad’s Desperate Attempt to Save Four Kids Killed in Melbourne House Fire Tragedy

 

Product Recalls

 

Kasey Pearce and Co – Baby Beechwood Rattle

This rattle does not comply with mandatory size and shape requirements, and may pose a choking or suffocation hazard for young children

For more information please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollar Warehouse – Magnetic Balls

This product contains multiple high-powered magnets that exceed the maximum magnetic strength, and could cause internal injuries and even death if more than one is swallowed. This product has caused serious injuries to a consumer.

For more information please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intelligent and Creative Desk (INCDESK) – Newborn Baby Shower Gift Set

The silicone rabbit teether and wooden rattle do not comply with mandatory shape and size requirements, and may pose a choking or suffocation hazard to young children.

For more information please click here.

 

 

Other product recalls this month include:

Cotton On Australia Pty Ltd Sunny Denim Short Sizes 2 and 3 – Choking Hazard
Birch and Bear Seahorse Rattle – Choking Hazard

 

To keep up to date with all product recalls , you can sign up to receive email notifications on the Product Safety Australia website and follow ACCC Product Safety on Facebook.