Young children are especially vulnerable. Pre-schoolers have limited ability to assess risk and often lack basic aquatic skills. In 2024, there were two drowning deaths among pre-schoolers, representing 3% of all fatalities. While this shows progress in protecting our youngest, moments of distraction or lapses in supervision remain key contributors to incidents.
Slips and falls, into rivers, lakes, or pools - or even baths, are a leading cause of preventable fatalities. Unsupervised children can find themselves in real danger in seconds. Even shallow water can be deadly.
Every child still needs constant, close supervision - the rule at Water Safety New Zealand is “close enough to cuddle. ”That means being within arm’s reach, paying full attention, and ready to respond.
Home environments aren’t exempt. Pools, including temporary or inflatable ones, are high-risk areas. Fencing is both a legal requirement under the Building Code and a proven lifesaving measure, and barriers, alarms, and locks must be maintained and expanded wherever possible. Baths, too, need constant supervision - never leave a child unattended, even for a moment.
Over the last 10 years, three young children drowned in portable pools during summer.
Practical tips for summer supervision:
- Stay within arm’s reach of young children in or near any water.
- Never rely on flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
- Fence all pools, including temporary and above-ground ones, according to regulations.
- Pay attention to riverbanks, lakesides, and coastal areas where slips and falls can occur.
- Combine supervision with skill-building: teach children to float, swim, and respect the water.
- Use additional safety measures for pre-schoolers, like alarms or barriers, and never leave them unattended around water.
On days like these, water is a place of joy and discovery. But safety is non-negotiable. Supervise like a lifeguard would - close, alert, and ready - and make sure your kids get to enjoy summer safely. Let’s keep our tamariki safe this summer.
