KIDSAFE
Media Release December 30th
2009
Drought and Sudden Rain Increases Drowning Risk
The drought in Australia has heightened the risk of drowning especially for young children around drainage channels ,
creeks and rivers swollen by storms Kidsafe said today as it issued a national red alert on Water Safety
Dr Mark Stokes National President of Kidsafe said “literally thousands of kilometers of open drain networks, creeks and
rivers throughout Australia which have remained dry during the drought can become deadly with short but intense rain
storms kilometers away. “
“The current search in Queensland for a thirteen year old boy
was playing around Bulimba Creek at Wishart in
Brisbane's southeast when he fell into the water about 1.30pm (AEST) on Tuesday is an urgent reminder to every
parent of the dangers of creeks and rivers.“
“The drowning of another teenager in Port Phillip Bay in Victoria at the beach yesterday highlights the importance of
constant vigilance around water safety issues from the backyard pool, creeks, rivers and the beach “
“Last year a tragic drowning of a six year old boy in Queensland who was sucked into a storm water drain on the 28th of
December followed another tragic drowning of a young boy in Hawthorn in a swollen drainage channel which was linked
to the Yarra”.
“Both of these related to flooding open drainage channels “.
Dr Stokes said,” the lack of rain meant many people had become complacent about the dangers of water channels and
drains both in the city and the country.”
“We urge parents to make sure that they educate their children about the dangers of entering any area where there is
flowing water or playing in drains which can quickly fill with water.”
Parents taking children on holidays especially into country and seaside areas should be conscious of any streams or
dams which are located close to where their family is staying.
Dr Stokes also said the drought had increased the use of backyard swimming pools in hot weather another major
danger area for drowning of babies and toddlers.
Our message is for parents are to ensure that their children do not have access to swimming pools without adult
supervision and the swimming pool is fenced effectively.”
Media Enquiries: Dr. Mark Stokes President Kidsafe Victoria 0408 038 267
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Kidsafe Mobile: 0417 329 201
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