Sunshine Coast Waterways
The Sunshine Coast has an abundance of water locations from Surf Beaches to backyard swimming pools. In fact, there are more backyard pools per capita on the Sunshine Coast than anywhere else in Australia. It is therefore imperative that we who live on the Sunshine Coast are aware of the ways to ensure safety at all times.
1 The importance of Supervision – the first primary defence
The most important way to ensure water safety is supervision. In fact, supervision is regarded as one of the primary defences in preventing drowning incidents. It is often recommended that all non-swimmers and swimmers under five years of age should be within arm’s reach at all times. This Includes all children aged from 6 to 10 years Every supervising adult needs to be ready to jump in immediately if needed. This means keeping your phone in your pocket and remaining constantly vigilant. Even children aged 11 to 14 should be checked on regularly while they are in and around water.
2 Swimming Ability – the second primary defence
The second primary defence to prevent drowning incidents is the ability to swim. You need to enrol your kids in learn to swim programs as early as possible. Such swim programs need to teach Water Safety and survival skills that will equip children to enjoy their water activities safely.
3 Always heed the signs
Whether at the beach or at the pool, you need to heed all safety signs and messages. These include beach flags or whistles, PA announcements or beach entry signs. You need to follow the directions to keep you and your family safe.
4 Backyard Pool Safety
In your own backyard, you are the lifeguard, so make sure that everyone is playing by your pool rules and making good choices such as packing up all toys afterwards.
It would be a great idea for you to have a current CPR certificate, so you know what to do if an emergency arises.
5 Two basic rules for water safety
When around Water, we all need to follow these two basic rules.
Water safety rule #1
Rule One is to keep hydrated so keep up the water intake throughout the day.
Water safety Rule #2
The other rule is to ensure skin safety. Slip on a shirt or rashie, slip on the sunscreen and slap on a hat . Be sun safe this summer and don’t be a victim.
