EVERYONE CAN BE A LIFESAVER

1 Q. What is Supervision SUPERVISION A. Supervision is constant visual contact with your child. You should be within arms reach and be in a position to respond quickly. It is not an occasional glance while you nap, read or undertake household chores, and it is not looking out at your kids playing outside while you are inside Q. Why do I need to supervise so actively? A. The lack of direct adult supervision was the main factor in 70% of toddler drowning deaths. Indirect supervision has resulted in the loss of many young lives, proving that when a parent/carers attention is focused on something else, tragedies can occur. Q. Can older kids watch younger kids? A. Parents leaving young children in the care of other siblings has been a factor in a number of toddler drowning deaths. Older children are not equipped with the skills to perceive and respond to an emergency situation, nor should they be given this responsibility. Q. How can I best supervise my child? A. By being within arms reach and engaged and interacting with your child when they are in, on or around water. Q. What is the best way to supervise children at parties? A. If there is a small number of children, make an adult responsible for their care, if this person leaves they should ask someone else to take over. If there are a large number of children, leave an adult stationed at different places where the children will play to moniter the area. Royal Life Saving has developed the toddler drowning prevention campaign Keep Watch. Supervision is one of the key messages of the Keep Watch program, which also includes, Fencing, Water Familiarisation and Learning Resuscitation. Organising your supervision is important; our life is full of many tasks and activities, including many distractions which can interrupt the supervision of children. The doorbell rings, the kettle boils, a neighbour pops in for a chat these are all everyday occurrences which can interrupt the Supervision of children, and it is in these few minutes where tragedy can occur. Supervision Have you brought all the clothes, towels, gear, etc? so you do not need to stop watching you child in, or near water. Are you prepared to get wet? Active supervision often means getting in the water with the child. Have you taken the phone with you? Better yet, turn on the answer machine and let it take the call. Are you are within arms reach of your child at all times? Do you undertake other activities at while your child is in, or near water? Remember that this lessens your attention from the child

FENCING Q. Why do I have to fence my pool? A. The fence acts as a barrier to the pool and as such, helps prevent access to the water by young children. In addition, pool fencing is law in all States and Territories in Australia, and heavy penalties can be imposed on non-compliant pools. Royal Life Saving advises all parents and carers that supervision is the key to preventing toddler drowning deaths, but a fence with a self closing gate is essential in providing an extra line of protection. With toddlers curious nature and fast feet, in no time at all they can be in the water. Q. What do I do on rural properties? A. On rural properties, where it is not feasible to fence off a dam or lake, Royal Life Saving encourages parents to create a child safe area close to the home and away from water bodies. This area should be enclosed and you should supervise your child at all times in this area. Q. I don t have children, why do I need to fence my pool? A. Not having children does not mean that a child will not drown in your pool. A significant percentage of toddler pool drowning deaths do not occur in their own backyard, but in relatives, friends or neighbours pools. Q. What sort of gate do I need? A. The gate of the pool fence is crucial in preventing child access. Many people leave their pool gates propped open, or have gates that close but do not lock. A child does not need a great deal of strength to push open an unlocked gate. The gate to the pool must be both self closing and self latching. Q. How often should I check the fence to make sure it is in good working order? A. Royal Life Saving recommends you conduct a through check of your fence every year before summer (and a quick check once at least once a month) to ensure that it is not climbable, is in good repair, the gate when opened fully closes by itself and locks, there are no loose palings or support members, and there are no gaps under or through the fence. Ensure a current resuscitation poster displayed on the inside of the pool fence. On rural properties, create a safe area away from water where you can supervise your child. Information about building a safe play area can be obtained from Farmsafe Australia www.farmsafe.org. au Learn resuscitation. Enrol now. Check the fence on a regular basis, give your self a reminder. Fencing should completely isolate the water body on all sides, and a crucial part of fencing is ensuring the gate is self closing and self latching. Fencing is an essential layer of defence in toddler drowning prevention. Fencing is a key component of the Royal Life Saving toddler drowning prevention campaign, Keep Watch. Fencing The pool fence should fully isolates the pool from the house A toddler cannot crawl under the gate or any other part of the fence The pool area should be able to be viewed from commonly used areas inside the house or garden Does your fence conform to Australian Standard 1926.1 (contact your local council for details) Is the gate self-closing and self latching? (i.e. does the gate swing freely to the closed position when open and latch securely) Is there anything near the pool fence (garden furniture, pot plants) that small children could use as a foothold to climb over the fence?

3 WATER FAMILIARISATION Q. What is Water familiarisation? A. Water familiarisation provides an opportunity to get your child involved in the development of aquatic skills and develop water confidence, while developing social, emotional, mental and physical skills in a safe environment. Q. What is involved in a water familiarisation class? A. Generally, water familiarisation classes will involve a small number of parents/carers with their child participating with an instructor who facilitates learning through fun, games, songs and activities. Q. Why is water familiarisation important? A. Involving your child in water familiarisation from 6 months of age can be fun and rewarding for both parent and child. It provides the opportunity for your child to become comfortable in an aquatic environment and provide the basis for future skills as they progress to learn to swim. Q. How can I get involved in water familiarisation? A. Visit your local pool and speak to the staff about the infant aquatics programs they have on offer or contact your local Royal Life Saving office. who facilitates learning through fun, games, songs and activities. Q. Why should my child undertake water familiarisation? A. Royal Life Saving offers water familiarisation courses called infant aquatics. Undertaking an infant aquatics course is a great opportunity to learn some skills and bond with your child. Royal Life Saving recommends that children undertake water familiarisation classes. These classes can commence from 6 months of age. From age 5 years onwards children can start swimming and water safety lessons (www.swimandsurvive.com.au). These classes are held at many local pools, and encourage confidence and water awareness, as well as respect for the water. Water familiarisation classes do not drown proof your child and as such are not a substitution for adult supervision. By enrolling your child in a water familiarisation class you will help indulge their natural curiosity about water, and provide them with skills which will be the building blocks for future aquatic activity. Water familiarisation is one of the four key messages of Royal Life Saving s Keep Watch toddler drowning prevention program. The other key messages are: Supervision, Fence Your Pool and learn resuscitation. The most important things about undertaking water familiarisation classes is that you and your child feel safe and secure Water Familiarisation IS ABOUT: Having fun in the water Developing social skills through interaction with other children and between infants and parents/carers Developing trust with parents/carers and instructors Exploring the water Active participation Developing water confidence Learn water safety skills Learn how to move through the water Develop water confidence Develop independence

RESUSCITATION Q. What is resuscitation? A. Resuscitation is described by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) as the preservation or restoration of life by the establishment and/or maintenance of airway, breathing and circulation and related emergency care. That is resuscitation involves stimulating someone s breathing who is unconscious by stimulating their heart and breathing air into their lungs. Q. Why should I learn Resuscitation? A. In most cases when an emergency occurs, a family member is the first on the scene. Having the skills to react in an emergency situation can mean the difference between life and death while you wait for emergency care to arrive. Q. What is DR ABCD A. Resuscitation training follows the simple principle of: Danger Check for danger, to self, to bystanders, to victim Response Squeeze the victim s shoulder and shout Are you ok? Airway Check and Clear Breathing Look Listen and feel Circulation Check Pulse Defibrillation Attach a defibrillator and follow the prompts Q. Where can I learn resuscitation? A. Royal Life Saving is one organisation that offers Resuscitation courses to the public. Courses are approximately four hours in duration and your skills should be updated annually. However, you can also do a first aid course, which provides you with a range of skills for emergency situations. Contact your nearest Royal Life Saving office on 1300 737 763 to find out when course are available. REAL LIFE STORY Jane, mother of two children in rural Australia: I had only been inside for a minute when I realised I could no longer hear my two year old, I raced outside and found him face down in the pool. I pulled him out and commenced resuscitation while I screamed for my husband to call an ambulance. Living on a rural property, it took the ambulance over 25 minutes to reach us. I had taken a resuscitation course when my children were born, always hoping I would never have to use it. During the time waiting for the ambulance I commenced resuscitation on my son who was not breathing. When the ambulance arrived my son was breathing again. Both ambulance officers and doctors said that had I not commenced resuscitation the time lapse could have meant my son would be more likely to have died or sustained a degree of brain damage. Resuscitation is one of the four key messages in Royal Life Saving s toddler drowning prevention program, KEEP WATCH. Resuscitation, or mouth-to-mouth, is a skill every Australian should know the life you save with this knowledge may be a loved one, and should an emergency situation arise, the precious minutes wasted without response can be a matter of life and death. Resuscitation Do you have resuscitation skills? Are they current? (i.e. have they been updated in the last 12 months?) Do you have a resuscitation poster visible around the home and in the pool area? Do you have emergency numbers near your phone? Do you have directions to your house near your phone if emergency personnel need these?

5 WATER SAFETY IN AND AROUND THE HOME Q. What areas around the home can present a drowning danger? A. The backyard pool and spa are obvious areas in which drowning can and have occurred, however, there are also many other aquatic areas around the home which present a threat to young children such as buckets and other vessels that can contain water. Parents must be mindful of always emptying the bath, the nappy bucket, putting the pets water bowls out of reach. Q. Where have drowning deaths around the home occurred in the past? A. Drowning deaths have occurred in the following places: Buckets Eskies Swimming pools Bathtubs Spas Fish ponds Post holes Washing machines Q. When do drowning deaths around the home occur? A. Studies show the majority of toddler drowning deaths peak between 4:30pm 5:30pm on weeknights when parents attention may be divided with the arrival home of other siblings, preparing of evening meal, etc. Be aware of the additional distractions around this time, do not let them interfere with your constant visual supervision of your child when around water. Social situations are another time when parents need be mindful of the increased probability of drowning. Often at parties and gatherings everyone can assume that someone else is watching the child/children and as such no one is supervising. Nominating a designated child supervisor during parties is a way of ensuring that the children are supervised at all times, if this person needs to leave for any reason, ensure a new supervisor is appointed or rotate the supervision responsibilities. Q. Can I get my older children to look after the younger ones? A. No, supervision should be constant visual contact with the child at all times by an adult. Children are not equipped with the skills to respond in an emergency situation, nor should they be given this responsibility. Older siblings may not gauge the importance of the responsibility given to them and become absorbed in their own activities. Children do not always call for help when there is a problem and as such it may be too late by the time you return. Around the home there are many possible areas that present a drowning danger such as nappy buckets, bathtubs, fish ponds and water features. The water does not need to be deep for a drowning to occur, and as such there are many things you should be mindful of when making your home safe. Around the Home Safety Always empty the bathtub after use Always drain the water from nappy buckets or ensure they are out of reach with a secure lid in place Keep pets water bowls out of reach of children Ensure your children know that there is to be no access to the pool without an adult Ensure that any water feature has a layer of wire under the surface to prevent children from gaining access If water needs to be kept to water the garden or other uses make sure the door is closed Never leave the child alone in a location (such as the back yard) where there is water Nominate a supervisor during parties or social functions, if there are many children you may need more than 1 supervisor.

6 BATH TIME SAFETY Q. When do bathtub drowning deaths occur? A. The majority of bathtub drowning deaths occur when there is a break in an interruption to bathing routine; for example, the doorbell rings while a parent is bathing the children. In over 80% of bathtub drowning deaths, children were already bathing when they drowned. If you have to leave the bathroom for any reason take your child with you. Q. Can I leave my child alone for a small amount of time? A. No, many parents and carers mistakenly believe they will only be gone a minute but this is enough time for tragedy to occur. Q. Why do parents leave their child unsupervised in the bath? A. Parents left their child unsupervised in the bath because they were: fetching forgotten clothes/towel doing the washing answering/making phone calls doing the dishes attending to self attending to other children Q. Can you hear your child drown? A. Parents also mistakenly believe they can listen out and will hear their child drowning. Drowning is swift and silent, drowning is not accompanied by children crying out or splashing. Bath time supervision must involve an adult in the bathroom with the child. An older sibling should never be left with the responsibility of looking after a younger child. Q. Can you use a bath seat or bathing aid? A. Yes, however bath seats or bath aids are not substitutes for constant adult supervision. These devices do not prevent children from climbing or falling out of the seat and drowning, and parents should not believe their child is any safer in one of these devices. Q. What else can I do to help prevent my child from drowning A. Make sure you empty the water out of the bath when finished. Learn resuscitation, it is a lifesaving skill and the life you save with this knowledge may be a loved one. Make sure you plan bath time before and have all the necessary items ready. REAL LIFE STORY While my son was bathing, I was in the room with him and we were playing with his toys. When I finished washing him, I left him in the bath for a minute, or it could have been five, to get his clothes. The water wasn t very deep. When I came back in, I found him face down in the bath. Bath time for young children should be fun, but tragically every year in Australia, a number of young children drown in bathtubs. Toddler drowning is preventable. Bathtime Before running a bath, have all equipment ready towels, pyjamas, slippers If you have a cordless phone, bring the phone into the bathroom. If you do not have a cordless phone, let the phone ring and ignore the doorbell while the children are in the bath. Have a small fold up chair in the bathroom to sit on while the children are in the bath DO NOT LEAVE the bathroom at all for any reason. After bath time ensure the bath tub is drained immediately and keep the bathroom door closed when not in use.

HOME POOL SAFETY Q. Why do so many drowning deaths occur in home swimming pools? A. Home swimming pools are located close to the house and the child s natural curiosity brings them into contact with the pool. In the majority of home swimming pool drowning deaths the toddler fell in or went in voluntarily. Q. How do children get into the home swimming pool? A. The most common entries for toddlers into the home pool are: via an open gate, through a house door, or by using nearby equipment to climb over the fence. Q. Will I hear the child calling for help when drowning? A. Many parents mistakenly believe they can listen out for their child but drowning can occur in a matter of seconds without any splash or crying out to alert parents. Q. How can I prevent my child from drowning? A. Royal Life Saving believes there are four things you need to do to prevent drowning: 1. Fence the pool with a four sided fence, this means that access to the pool is via a gate not the house. It is also preferable that the pool area is only used for swimming and that any equipment not related to the functioning of the pool should be stored outside the pool area. 2. Children should be supervised whenever they are in, on or around water, and this supervision should be by an adult and the child should be within arms reach at all times. 3. Have you and your child undertake water familiarisation classes. 4. Learn resuscitation Q. I have a pool fence, how could my child get into the pool area? A. Unsupervised children can access the pool area by using nearby garden and furniture items to provide them with a foothold to climb over the fence. Additionally, in many social situations a pool gate is propped open to provide ease of access. This should never be done. Q. What can I do about this? A. Royal Life Saving has created the Keep Watch program to reduce the problem of toddler drowning prevention in Australia. Keep Watch has four key messages: Supervise Fence your pool and lock the gate Familiarise your child with water Learn resuscitation Toddler drowning prevention involves all of these components. Almost half of all drowning deaths in the 0-5 year age group occur in home swimming pools. Swimming Pool Have you brought everything you need to the pool area so you don t need to return to the house and leave the children unattended? Have you enrolled your children in water familiarisation classes? This will give them water confidence and is the stepping stone toward learning to swim in the future. Have family members undertaken a Resuscitation course and ensured it is updated annually? Is the pool fenced? Is the gate self-closing and self latching? Ensure the gate is not propped open at any time

FARM WATER SAFETY Q. Where do toddlers commonly drown on farms? A. The most common locations for toddler drowning deaths on farms are dams, however the number of drowning deaths in all rural waterways is increasing. Q. How do I keep my child safe? A. In rural areas, it is not always feasible to fence off large water bodies such as lakes or dams, so Royal Life Saving suggests parents create a safe play area for children. This would be a securely fenced area near the home in which the child can be closely supervised by adults. Q. What is a child safe play area? A. A child safe play area is a carefully planned, designated location which is securely fenced and helps to prevent a young child from entering the farm without adult supervision. Pool fencing requirements, including appropriate child resistant gates and latches, can be used as a guide in planning a safe play area. Q. Why do parents leave their children unsupervised? A. There are many reasons why a parent s attention can be diverted from their child. Busy lifestyles, phone calls, visitors, preparing meals, other siblings are just some of the things which demand attention. The Keep Watch program advocates that supervision be supported by fenced safe play areas and water familiarisation, and that family members undertake resuscitation training. Q. What else can I do to prevent drowning? A. Ensure others on the farm (eg. farm workers, visitors) are alert to watch out for children who may wander near water - especially at peak times when parents may get distracted (eg. harvesting, stock movement, BBQs with visitors). Q. Where can I go for further information on how to build a safe play area? A. Farmsafe Australia (www.farmsafe.org.au) and the USA National Children s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (www. marshfieldclinic.org/research/children/) have information on safe play area design and construction. REAL LIFE STORY Farm parents were attending a field day at another farm with their four year old child. The child s mother went inside a shed to inspect it, leaving the child to play outside. The mother emerged a few minutes later and was unable to see her son. After about 30 minutes of searching, the boy was found in one of the three dams at the back of the property. The dams were over 30 metres from the shed area and were surrounded by a three strand wire fence, with the lowest strand about 40 cm from the ground. There was also a single strand electric fence about 65 cm above the ground. Drowning deaths now occur more frequently in rural waterways than any other location. Toddlers have drowned in rivers, lakes, dams, as well as water troughs and irrigation channels. Rural Waterways Fill in unused ditches, sheep dips and post holes Cover/ lids on wells and tanks Ensure someone is designated to keep watch over children Ensure others on the farm (eg. farm workers, visitors) are alert to watch out for children who may wander near water - especially at peak times when parents may get distracted (eg. harvesting, stock movement, BBQs with visitors) Create a securely fenced safe play area close to the house to keep the child from entering the farm workplace, including water bodies

w w w. r o y a l l i f e s a v i n g. c o m. a u INLAND WATERWAYS SAFETY Q. Why do drownings occur in inland waterways? A. There are many reasons drowning deaths occur in these areas. The flat, still surface of an inland waterway can give a false sense of security. Currents, even in seemingly tranquil waterways can prove dangerous. Inland waterways are not patrolled by lifeguards, and should someone get into trouble, there may be no one to assist them. Swimmers can also get panicked if they get caught in submerged objects, which are present in many of these waterways. Q. Where do drownings occur? A. In inland waterways there are many environments where drowning deaths have occurred rivers, lakes, dams, irrigation channels, water tanks and creeks have all been the site of drowning deaths. Q. What safety precautions can I take if I want to swim in an inland waterway? A. Remember that water conditions which may have been suitable one day can change hourly with the current. Submerged objects, like branches or rocks, are often invisible from above the surface and present real risk of neck and spinal injuries, especially to divers. Always enter the water slowly, feet first never dive in. Be aware also that cold water can cause hypothermia. Q. Who is drowning in inland waterways? A. All type and ages of people are drowning in inland waterways from young children to the elderly. Q. Why are inland waterways dangerous? A. Changing seasonal patterns, flooding and other effects of nature can cause inland waterway to change. Remember if the water crossing is flooded don t try to cross it, while it may look calm and shallow on the surface it is possible that the road that was there no longer exists. Did you know that most drowning deaths occur in natural water environments - rivers, lakes, and dams? Don t be fooled by calm water on a clear day, many seemingly tranquil waterways can present dangerous hazards. Inland Waterways Safety always enter the water slowly; feet first, never dive in. banks - a crumbling riverbank can mean an accidental fall into the water riverbeds - a riverbed may be uneven, unstable or slippery underwater obstacles - beware of submerged items under the surface of the water rocks, branches, and rubbish can all cause injury currents are unpredictable don t expect them to follow the contour of the river water can be a lot colder than it appears so beware of hypothermia a drop in the body s internal temperature puts your vital organs in danger don t cross flooded inland waterways strong currents are often present where rivers enter lakes or damns be aware that heavy rainfall alters water levels

10 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL SAFETY Q. Who drowns at public swimming pools? A. In the past decade, 80 people drowned in public swimming pools, a quarter of these were children under five years of age. While young children are the main victims, non swimmers who fall in or swimmers caught out of their depth are also at risk. Q. Why do drowning deaths occur at public swimming pools? A. Many people mistakenly believe that once they enter a swimming pool, the responsibility for their child s safety is transferred to the lifeguards. This is not the case. Lifeguards are not babysitters. Some parents also believe that other parents will keep an eye on their child. Every parent/guardian is responsible for the safety of their child. Q. What is the role of a pool lifeguard? A. The role of the lifeguard in a public pool facility is to oversee the safe running of the facility and ensure all patrons can safely enjoy their time. Some of a lifeguard s responsibilities are posting warning signs, establishing and enforcing safety rules, cleaning and clearing pool decks, and basic first aid. Often lifeguards perform these responsibilities for hundreds of patrons at a time, so it is important to always supervise your child. Lifeguards are not babysitters. Q. What is supervision? A. Supervision means being within arms reach of your child. It is not keeping an eye on your child while you go to the coffee shop, visit the kiosk, chat or read a book supervision is being physically within arms reach of your child. Q. What can I do to make my trip to the public pool safer? A. Always obey any instructions the lifeguards give you, and follow the advice on signs around the pool. When you visit the pool you can expect to safely enjoy your time. If people are being disruptive, using foul language or unruly behaviour, tell a lifeguard who can put a stop to this behaviour. Public swimming pools can be a great place for fun and enjoyment, with a variety of different facilities, lessons and classes available for patrons. However, as with any aquatic location, public pools can become dangerous places if appropriate safety rules are not followed. Public Pool Safety Obey the instructions given to you by the lifeguard No unsafe or dangerous behaviour No pushing or throwing persons into the pool No bombing or excessive splashing No abusive, disruptive or offensive behaviour or language No spitting Do not sit on or touch lane markers Always check water depth before entering the pool Swim in the appropriate lane/area

11 w w w. r o y a l l i f e s a v i n g. c o m. a u BOATING SAFETY Q. Are drowning deaths involving watercraft common? A. Yes. On average, 32 people drown every year while taking part in watercraft activities. Q. What types of watercraft are involved? A. Any type of watercraft. Some of the more common types are small aluminium boat (tinnys), jet skis, kayaks, motorized water craft, sailing boats and inflatable dingys. Q. How do watercraft drowning deaths occur? A. Drowning deaths while boating can occur when people are not wearing PFDs, when they drink alcohol and fall in, when they are unprepared to cope with weather conditions, when watercraft collide, and when a water craft is not seaworthy. Q. What is a PFD and why do I need one? A. Any garment worn on the body to assist with flotation is called a personal flotation device (PFD). PFDs include devices previously known as lifejackets, buoyancy vests or buoyancy garments. PFDs are usually classified according to the level of protection they offer the wearer and the wearer s needs. Q. Who is responsible for the people on a boat? A. The captain has overall responsibility for the safety of their passengers, and must ensure there are sufficient lifejackets for all onboard. However, it is the responsibility of each individual to ensure their safety by wearing a PFD, avoiding alcohol, not skylarking, and complying with the captain s requests. Q. Does alcohol play a role? A. Alcohol is a contributing factor in 20% of all adult drowning deaths. Alcohol is often involved in watercraft related deaths. Q. How can I help to prevent drowning deaths? A. Between outings, have your - boat inspected regularly for seaworthiness - licence for boating valid - equipment checked to comply with government regulations - capsize and person overboard drills learned and practiced - PFDs checked for wear and tear - speed limits for area checked Just before your trip - check the weather conditions - wear and carry suitable clothes for a change in weather - arrange for someone else to come along - ensure the boat is not overloaded - leave word of your planned destination and time of return - pack a PFD for everyone on the boat - if it s your first time out, invited along someone with experience in local conditions Using a watercraft such as a boat, canoe or jet ski is a hobby enjoyed by many Australians. Watercraft come in a range of sizes and styles, from kayaks to motorized boats and rubber dings to sailing vessels. Boating keep your weight and centred when entering and leaving a small boat stow all gear safely everyone wearing PFDs follow the boating traffic rules avoid swimming areas, weirs, rocks and other crafts monitor weather reports look out for warning signs of bad weather let people know your destination and when you expect to return

12 w w w. r o y a l l i f e s a v i n g. c o m. a u ALCOHOL & WATER SAFETY Q. Why is the combination of alcohol consumption and aquatic activities an issue? A. In approximately 20% of all adult drownings every year, alcohol consumption is a contributing factor. Q. Why is alcohol consumption a factor in so many drowning deaths? A. Drinking alcohol impairs your senses, encouraging risk taking behaviour, meaning you are more likely to get into trouble. If you drink and get into the water, tired muscles and confusion from being under the influence of alcohol makes it harder to get out of trouble. Once you are in trouble, even if a friend does come to your aid, alcohol seriously reduces your chances of surviving a near drowning as resuscitation methods are less likely to work. Q. What type of activities were undertaken when these drownings occurred? A. People have drowned while intoxicated and involved in almost any type of aquatic activity including swimming, surfing, boating, rock fishing, sailing, walking beside the water and playing in the water Q. What happens to my body when I consume alcohol and engage in aquatic activity? A. There is a range of physical changes which occur when alcohol has been consumed and then an individual gets involved in aquatic activity. These include: DISTURBANCE OF THE INNER EAR - Fluid in the ear is responsible for balance. Alcohol and a sudden change in temperature can lead to disorientation. Diving into the water is a perfect opportunity for this: all of a sudden, up becomes down. HYPOTHERMIA - Alcohol increases blood flow to the arms and legs, even when the body would normally try to stop this to save heat loss. Fall into the water under the influence of alcohol, and hypothermia kicks in much earlier. SPASM OF THE VOCAL CHORDS - Water in the windpipe triggers a reflex closure of the windpipe. Alcohol increases the chance that a spasm of the vocal chords will occur, snapping the airway closed. The combination of water and alcohol can lock the airway closed. Q. How does alcohol consumption affect my behavior? A. LACK OF COORDINATION - Alcohol numbs the senses, particularly sight, sound, and touch. When these senses fail, the stumbles and stutters kick in. GREATER RISK TAKING BEHAVIOUR - The influence of alcohol removes inhibitions, leaving you more likely to take greater risks, even life threatening risks. IMPAIRED REACTION TIME - As a depressant, alcohol reduces the rate the brain processes information. Ordinary reactions simply take longer. On the water, a quick response is vital. IMPAIRED JUDGEMENT - Alcohol distorts your perception of risk, and your own abilities. With less accurate information pouring into the brain, you re not as well equipped to make the right decisions. Water is an integral part of the lifestyle of many Australians, whether it be spending time in the water, on the water or around the water. Unfortunately, every year, the addition of alcohol consumption with these aquatic activities leads to a large number of drowning deaths. Alcohol & Water If you are drinking, stay out of the water If you are considering drinking, participate in aquatic activities first and then do not re-enter the water Have a substantial meal before you drink Avoid aquatic activity by yourself Avoid aquatic activity at night Avoid aquatic activity in conditions or environments that you are not familiar with

13 w w w. r o y a l l i f e s a v i n g. c o m. a u PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE (PFD) Q. What is a PFD? A. Any garment worn on the body to assist with flotation is called a personal flotation device (PFD). PFDs include devices previously known as lifejackets, buoyancy vests or buoyancy garments. Q. How are PFDs classified? A. PFDs are usually classified by the level of protection they offer the wearer and the wearer s needs, according to Australian standards. Q. Are there different types of PFDs? A. Yes, there are three categories of PFDs PFD Type 1 are designed for recreational boaters who venture beyond sheltered waters, they are made in the safety colours yellow, orange or red and are fitted with retro-reflective tape. They have a buoyant collar, a bulky, buoyant chest area and the degree of floatation provided is at least 50% greater than the equivalent weight range Type 2 or Type 3 PFD. PFD Type 2 are designed for continuous wear during any aquatic activity such as dingy sailing, board sailing or water skiing not just in an emergency. The buoyant material is usually distributed evenly front and back, making swimming much easier. As with Type 1, Type 2 PFDs must also be made in only the safety colours yellow, orange or red, up to the arm hole. PFD Type 3 meets all the requirements of Type 2 but is made in a different colour. Not using the safety colours is intended to make the Type 3 more attractive to wear and so encourage regular usage. Q. How do I choose a PFD? A. When choosing a PFD, ensure that it fits securely and is comfortable, as this will encourage use. When choosing a PFD for children, do not select a larger size that the child will grow into, it is important that it fits correctly to be effective. Q. I am a competent swimmer why do I need a PFD? A. Even competent swimmers should wear a PFD when they are in open water or involved in activities such as fishing, boating and jet skiing. Should an accident occur you may have to spend a great deal of time in the water before getting to shore, you may have to swim to shore, you may even be unconscious. A PFD will keep you buoyant, particularly should you get tired. Additionally, if you are out on the water your PFD should be on. Should an accident occur, a lifejacket that is stowed away will be of no use to you. Personal floatation devices, or PFDs, have been called many different names over the years, such as life jackets and buoyancy vests. Each year many people s lives are saved by wearing a PFD. PFD Safety Practice your PFD skills prior to needing the PFD. Can you: put on a PFD on land or in water? share a PFD as a flotation support? get in and out of the water while wearing a PFD?

14 w w w. r o y a l l i f e s a v i n g. c o m. a u RESCUE SAFETY Q. When should I attempt a rescue? A. In any rescue situation, your personal safety should be paramount. There are many types of rescues which do not involve the rescuer entering the water, it is important to assess the situation to determine which rescue is most suitable. Remember, if you enter the water without first assessing the situation and get in to trouble, you will not be able to assist anyone. Q. What should I do if I see someone in trouble? A. Royal Life Saving is encouraging people who find themselves in a rescue situation to follow the 4 A s of Rescue; Awareness, Assessment, Action and Aftercare. Awareness: recognizing an emergency, accepting responsibility Assessment: making an informed judgement Action: developing a plan, effecting the rescue Aftercare: giving aid until medical help arrives Q. How do I attempt a rescue? A. When assessing a rescue situation there are a number of means by which the rescuer can try to assist the person in trouble, before they undertake a swimming rescue themselves. These include: Talk, Reach, Throw, Wade, and Row. Before entering the water, make sure you take a few moments to assess the situation is there something on hand which you could use to reach the person, such as a rope, stick, or towel? Is there something you could throw to the person to aid their buoyancy, such as a life jacket, kickboard, or esky lid? Q. Is there a risk in undertaking a rescue? A. Yes. On average, 5 people lose their lives each year while attempting to rescue people in trouble. Often when you approach a person in difficulty they may be in a state of panic, and can easily drag you under in their attempt to stay afloat. It is important not to put yourself in danger; you can reassure the person whilst encouraging them to kick in them self, or if the person requires towing, you should take an aid out to them, and use this to tow them back. Q. Where can I learn more about undertaking rescues? A. Depending on how old you are you can undertake Swim and Survive, Junior Lifeguard Club (JLC), and/or Bronze medallion. More information about these can be found at www.royallifesaving.com.au Q. How do I know which type of rescue to use? A. Use a Talk rescue when you feel the person in trouble can make there on way to safety with you talking them through it. Use a Reach rescue when the person has fallen in near the edge or the rescuer is a weak or non-swimmer. Use a Throw rescue when the person in trouble is too far away for a each rescue to work, or the rescuer is a weak or non-swimmer. Use a Wade rescue when the throw rescue hasn t worked. Use a Row rescue when the person in trouble is too far away for one of the other rescue types. Being faced with a scenario in which you are required to assist with a rescue can be extremely daunting. Self preservation is the key factor in attempting any rescue. Every year people drown while attempting rescues. Rescue Safety When performing a reach rescue, sometimes the person in trouble won t realise you re offering help. If this happens, make contact by resting the aid over the person s shoulder. If you join a person in the water, instruct them from an arms length away If attemting a throw rescue, using a buoyant aid will give the swimmer in diffivculty support until they are removed from the danger area. Examples of rigid aids could include a branch, stick, umbrella or paddle Examples of non-rigid aids could include a towel, rope of clothing

15 w w w. r o y a l l i f e s a v i n g. c o m. a u ROCK FISHING Q. What is rock fishing? A. Rock fishing is the process of fishing from rock ledges, submerged rocks, rock faces and rocks that go out into the water. Q. Why is rock fishing dangerous? A. Rock fishing is probably the most dangerous sport in Australia. Seventy-four people died while rock fishing between the years 1992 and 2000, in New South Wales alone. Rock fishing is dangerous due to the difficult locations where people are fishing, the sometimes unpredictable nature of the ocean and the nature of the rocks themselves - slippery, wet, uneven and often sharp. Q: What is the best type of gear to wear when rock fishing? A. Wear gear that stops you from slipping into the water or reduces problems if you do go into the surf. Wear lightweight clothing such as shorts and a spray jacket so that if you are swept off the rocks, you are buoyant and your clothes don t drag you down. Jumpers may be heavy and difficult to take off. Wear a PFD. Wear shoes with nonslip soles or cleats. Rock plates or cleats are essential on wet, weedy rocks. Also, wear head protection. Evidence suggests that many people who have drowned received some sort of head injury. Q: How do I know whether a spot is safe for rock fishing? A. No place is perfectly safe for rock fishing. To minimise risks, fish only with others in places where experienced anglers go. Spend at least half an hour watching the wind and wave action before deciding whether a place is suitable. Think what will your fishing spot be like in a few hours time with different tides and weather? Perhaps a local can help you. Q. What should I do if I or another fisherman gets into trouble? A. Don t ever turn your back on the sea if the waves, weather or swell threaten your fishing spot then leave immediately. If you do find yourself in trouble stay calm - if you are washed in, swim away from the rocks and look for a safe place to come ashore or stay afloat and wait for help to arrive. Always wear a PFD. Fish in a group of at least three people and stay within sight of each other. If someone is washed in, one person can stay and help while the other alerts emergency services (dial 000). Mobile phone users can also dial 112 to access emergency services. Rock fishing is an extremely popular activity in Australia, however it can also be extremely dangerous and claims a number of lives every year. People who go rock fishing need to undertake a number of safety precautions to ensure they remain safe. Rock Fishing Safety Choose the safest possible location Take time to observe the conditions Always fish with others Always watch the waves Be aware of the tides and weather Wear appropriate footwear, clothing and head protection Wear a PFD (buoyancy vest), especially if you are not a strong swimmer Carry a float and line to help anyone washed in.

16 w w w. s w i m a n d s u r v i v e. c o m Q. What is Swim and Survive? A. Swim and Survive is a national swimming and water safety program that has been educating children aged 5-14 for over 20 years. It aims to reduce the number of Australians drowning by ensuring that people have a sound knowledge of how to be safe when in, on and around water, as well as teaching skills for swimming, personal survival and basic rescue. Q. How does Swim and Survive work? A. Swim and Survive provides a broad, balanced program of swimming, water safety and survival that is delivered by qualified instructors in schools and pools throughout Australia. The skills learnt in Swim and Survive give each child the building blocks to enjoy a lifetime of safe activity in the water. For example, sailing, body boarding, snorkeling and rowing are all enhanced by having basic Swim and Survive skills. Q. What does Swim and Survive develop? A. Water safety, water confidence, survival skills and endurance. The levels of the Swim and Survive program include water discovery, water awareness and water sense with appropriate skills to achieve at each level. Q. What is the Aquacode? SWIM & SURVIVE A. The Aquacode is three messages that are important for all Go Together, Reach to Rescue, and Stay Afloat and Wave. Q. Why should someone undertake swim and survive? A. Living in Australia, we are gifted with a wide variety of aquatic activities for health and enjoyment. It s important to have the skills to keep safe in all kinds of aquatic environment. With these skills we can enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water. Q. How do I find out more about Swim and Survive? A. There is information for parents, children and teachers on the website www.swimandsurvive.com, or you can contact your local pool to see if they are involved in Swim and Survive or Royal Life Saving Branch. If you are a swim school and would like to deliver Swim and Survive, contact us and we can tell you more. For more information on Competitions and Games visit: www.swimandsurvive.com To have fun and enjoy water activities it is important that you try to learn as much as you can about the nature of water; dangers of the aquatic environment; rules of behaviour around water; and how you can offer help in an emergency. Aquacode The prevention of emergencies depends on your understanding of, and ability to apply, simple common sense water safety measures. To help you do this, the Society has developed three easy-to-remember rules known as the Aquacode. Go Together When playing in, on or around water always make sure someone is with you. Reach to Rescue If someone needs help do not get into the water. Lie down and reach out with a stick. Stay Afloat and Wave If you are in trouble in the water, try to relax, roll on your back, hold onto something if available, and wave one arm to attract attention.