Swim pants offered for swim safety
Some babies under 18 months old will be given a valuable tool before their first swim this summer.
As part of Plunket’s campaign, up to 4000 babies will be given a pair of Huggies LittleSwimmers swimpants for their first swim or water confidence class.
Plunket safety advisor Sue Campbell says it’s part of helping keep the pool clean and keeping kids safe.
‘‘Young children are attracted to water. They move quickly and quietly. They are curious and want to explore this interesting environment,’’ she says.
It’s still important to be vigilant around safety; in 2015 non- fatal drownings reached record lows. But last year saw an increase in numbers.
However, the three fatalities for the under five group were preventable that year, the report says.
Chief executive Jonty Mills says work around educating young parents on water safety is important.
‘‘One child who dies or is hospitalised from drowning is one child too many.’’
Plunket is reaching out to a number of swim schools, including Otahuhu Pool and Lesiure Centre and Massey Park Pool in Papakura.
Check out Plunket’s checklist for water supervision at plunket.org.nz.