Welcome to our first October edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s e-news. This will focus on our ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign launch and activities. We also have some information on the recently announced changes to the Victorian rental laws, together with some product recalls. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for regular safety tips and updates – happy reading and stay safe!

Kidsafe’s Safe Barriers Save Lives Launch

Olympian Matt Welsh OAM joined Kidsafe on Tuesday September 18th to launch the sixth annual ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ backyard pool safety campaign. With the nation in the midst of football finals fever, former AFL player and coach Rodney Eade features in the campaign video to remind the public that when it comes to backyard pool safety, ‘The best offence is a good deFENCE’.

Figures released recently in the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s (RLSSA) National Drowning Report show that in the 2017/18 financial year, toddler drowning incidents decreased by 38% from the previous financial year – which is a great step in the right direction. During this period, 18 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned – which is still 18 too many. The majority of these drowning incidents (11) occurred in backyard swimming pools.

While safety barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, evidence suggests that a large number of drowning deaths are the result of barriers that are faulty, or non-compliant with Australian standards. Kidsafe’s campaign calls on all pool and spa owners to check the safety of their barriers at the beginning of daylight saving (Sunday 7^th October), in the lead up to the warmer months.

Kidsafe would like to say a big thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make this campaign possible, including the Play it Safe by the Water Committee, major sponsors Safetech Hardware Australia, SPASA Victoria, Protector Aluminium and the Victorian Pool Check and Compliance Agency, and supporters Kingswim.

The campaign received some great coverage on Channel 7, 9 and 10 in Victoria – you can view two of these stories here:

https://www.facebook.com/9NewsMelbourne/videos/647462338988383/ 

https://www.facebook.com/7NewsMelbourne/videos/524642777985539/ 

Keep an eye out for our e-news next month – we will have some information about the swimming pool and spa barrier provisions bill passing through the parliament.

New Victorian rental laws to help make homes safer for kids

Proposed reforms to the Victorian rental laws were introduced into Parliament on 7 August 2018. The new laws – which will come in to effect in 2019 – propose that tenants will be able to make minor modifications without the permission of the landlord or property manager. This is great news for parents and carers with young children and will enable televisions and other heavy items to be anchored to walls and floors to prevent furniture tip-over incidents.

For more information about the dangers of furniture tip overs and how to prevent these, please visit www.kidsafevic.com.au/home-safety/tv-and-furniture-tip-overs.

Do you want to be a part of improving the overall safe manufacture, purchase and use of children’s products?

Kidsafe Australia is conducting a national survey to better understand the attitudes of consumers and their buying behaviours, particularly in relation to children’s products. This research will be used to inform the work associated with improving the overall safe manufacture, purchase and use of children’s products.

Take Part in this survey Tell us what Australia parents think about Products for Children.

First Aid App!

If you’re ever unsure on what to do in a first aid situation, make sure you download the Tiny Hearts App which provides detailed first aid instructions for all types of emergencies

Product Recalls

Target — Two Way Zip Baby Coverall

This zip puller on this product may break and detach. The detached zip puller may pose a choking hazard to children. Consumers should stop using the product and return it to a Target or Target Country store as soon as possible for a full refund. 

For further information, please click here.

Baby Bunting — 4Baby Zip Coverall, 4Baby Printed Coverall & 4Baby Short Sleeve Coverall

This zipper on this product may detach and become a potential choking hazard for children. Consumers should immediately cease using the clothing and return it to any Baby Bunting store for a full refund.

For further information, please click here.

Orange Technology – Neo Cube Magnetic Magnet Bucky Cubes

This product contains small, high-powered magnets. The product exceeds the maximum allowable magnetic flux index set by the permanent ban on certain small, high powered magnets. If a child swallows more than one small high powered magnet, the magnets can stick together across the walls of the child’s intestine or other digestive tissue, which can lead to internal injuries and even death. The magnets may also pose a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should contact Orange Technology immediately via email on ebay@geekstation.com.au for a refund.

For further information, please click here.