Drowning is one of Australia’s most preventable causes of death. These ten tips, drawn from Royal Life Saving Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia and Kids Alive Do The Five, are the essentials every family should know.
1. Active supervision is non-negotiable
For children under 5, always be within arm’s reach in the water. No phone, no book, no quick chat with the neighbour — eyes on the water. The majority of toddler drownings happen during a brief lapse in supervision, often less than five minutes.
2. Fence and check, then check again
If you have a backyard pool, four-sided isolation fencing is mandatory in every Australian state and territory. The gate is the most common point of failure — check weekly that it self-closes and self-latches from any position. Keep furniture and pot plants 900 mm clear of the fence.
3. Empty after every use
Paddling pools, buckets, eskies with melting ice, even nappy buckets — toddlers can drown in remarkably little water. Empty all containers immediately after use and store them upside down where rain can’t fill them.
4. Always swim between the flags
The single most important rule of beach safety in Australia. Surf Life Saving Australia patrols hundreds of beaches — the Beachsafe app shows you which ones are patrolled and the conditions. Outside the flags, you’re on your own.
5. If caught in a rip — float, don’t fight
Rips don’t pull you under, they pull you out. Stay calm, float on your back, raise an arm to signal for help. If you can swim, head parallel to the shore until you escape the rip — never try to swim against it.
6. Learn CPR — and refresh it
CPR knowledge can keep someone alive until paramedics arrive. Most Australian states offer free or subsidised CPR refreshers — your local council often runs them. Display CPR signage in your pool area where it can be seen by anyone.
7. Don’t rely on flotation aids
Arm bands, kickboards, and pool noodles are great for fun — but they’re not safety devices. They can give a false sense of security and they slip off. Real water safety comes from supervision and swimming ability, not floaties.
8. Cold water is dangerous water
Inland rivers and dams in southern Australia can be deceptively cold even in summer. Cold water shock causes involuntary gasping and can drown a strong swimmer in minutes. Acclimatise gradually and never jump into cold water you haven’t tested.
9. Never swim alone
This applies to children, adults, and competent swimmers alike. Always swim with someone who can raise the alarm. Even a small medical event — a cramp, dizzy spell, or shoulder injury — can become serious in deep water.
10. Teach swimming as a life skill
The single greatest predictor of long-term water safety is swimming ability. Children who complete formal learn-to-swim programs are significantly less likely to drown. Make swimming lessons a non-negotiable family priority — like dental check-ups, but more important.