With the weather warming and more people spending time outside, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has put together a collection of tips and suggestions to help families enjoy a safer, happier and healthier summer.
CBS offers advice and information on a number of playground toys and features as well as help and advice on how to use and work them with a focus on safety.
Beginning with portable pools, CBS warns they can be just as dangerous as in-ground pools, and many parents and carers may not realise the significant drowning risks.
It advises anyone with a portable pool to be sure to always supervise young children, learn CPR, be emergency-ready, and fence pools deeper than 30 cm.
For aquatic toys and flotation aids, the CBS reminds South Australians that aquatic toys and flotation aids are not safety devices and children who cannot swim could drown if their aquatic toy or flotation aid fails or if they don’t use it properly.
“Remember, these items don’t replace the need for active adult supervision,” CBS said.
Turning to trampolines, CBS’s wise advice is to bear in mind that there are hundreds of Australian children taken to hospital every year for trampoline-related injuries such as cuts, sprains and fractures.
It said they should the trampolines should always be safely padded on the frame and its condition regularly checked.
Turning to Quad Bikes, CBS says that due to their size and inexperience, children should never drive or be a passenger on quad bikes intended for adults.
“Losing control of a quad bike can cause it to flip or roll over, causing death or severe injury,” it said.
And finally, in the lead-up to Christmas, CBS is reminding parents to check that gifts for little ones are ‘age appropriate’ and don’t pose choking hazards.
“For products powered by button batteries, ensure the battery compartment is secured and isn’t accessible to young children,” it says.
“If swallowed or inserted into body parts such as ears and noses, button batteries can become stuck and burn through soft tissue in just two hours,” CBS said.
Further information about the dangers at Christmas time can be found on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website at this PS News link.
