Welcome to the September edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s e-news. This month will focus on our ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign launch and activities. We also have some information on our recently announced national partnership with ENJO, 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 Victoria’s Safe Barriers Save Lives Launch

On Tuesday 19th we launched our ‘Safe Barrier Save Lives’ Campaign nationally, urging pool owners to make sure their pool or spa barrier is safe in the lead up to summer.

The campaign is calling all pool owners to save-the-date and sign up to Kidsafe’s ‘Saving Lives’ virtual pool party event on Facebook. This pool party of a different kind urges pool and spa owners to take the pledge to check the safety of their pool or spa barrier when they change their clocks at the beginning of daylight saving on Sunday October 1.

Click here to read more about the campaign and remember to save the date – it’s the date that could save!

Figures released last week in the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s (RLSSA) National Drowning Report show that in the 2016/17 financial year, toddler drowning incidents increased by 32%. During this period, 29 Australian children aged 0-4 years drowned. The majority of these drowning incidents (45%) 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 Ambassador Matt Welsh officially launched the campaign with support from Ambulance Victoria spokesperson Paul Hauserman and  SPASA CEO, Brendan Watkins.

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, Safetech Hardware Australia, SPASA Victoria and Protector Aluminium.

Kidsafe and ENJO – working together to create safer homes

Kidsafe nationally has partnered with ENJO Australia to help prevent childhood injuries within the home, with a particular focus on promoting safety around poisons. Many chemicals used in our homes are potentially harmful to children. Poisoning is one of the leading causes of injury to children less than five years of age with about 33 children a week being admitted to hospital in Australia because of poisoning.

Removing unnecessary chemicals and offering a safe, healthier way to clean Aussie homes has been the driving force behind ENJO Australia for over 23 years. Together we will raise awareness about injury prevention and promote safe lifestyle choices that remove risks from our homes.

We were very pleased to meet our local rep Deanne last week, as well as receive some ENJO goodies to use in the our new Injury Prevention Hub! For more information about the partnership, please visit: www.kidsafe.com.au/sponsor.html

Product Recalls

Tobil and Co Pty Ltd — iCandy Peach Pushchair

The crotch strap on the pushchair and converter seat can come away from the centre of the buckle (waist and shoulder harness is not affected). This may pose a fall/injury hazard if broken during use. Tobil & Co Pty Ltd will post a replacement crotch strap with a stronger buckle to consumers with a product in the affected batch range. To check whether your pushchair is affected or to obtain further information about a replacement part, contact Tobil and Co directly or click here.

Mistiyarn Pty Ltd — Wiggles Emma Zip Through Hooded Jacket

This product was sold nationally at Big W stores. The metal zipper slider may detach when the zipper is undone and may pose as a chocking hazard. For further information consumers can contact Mistiyarn Pty Ltd on 03 9564 4641 or email recall@mistiyarn.com.au.

Malmar Enterprises — Squeaking pig toy

The item which was sold nationally at discount stores, does not comply with the permanent ban on children’s products containing more than 1% diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). A risk of reproductive toxicity exists for young children if they extensively chew or suck on objects with unsafe levels of DEHP. Consumers should cease using the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information please click here.

For more information on the last month’s product recalls please visit the Australian Product Safety website here.