Inland waterways are among the most common sites for toddler and child fatalities, new figures reveal.
The Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s 2024 National Drowning Report found 15 Australian children aged between zero and four years drowned between July 2023 and June 2024.
Twenty percent of these occurred in inland waterways such as dams, rivers, and creeks
In the five to 14 age group, 50 percent of drowning deaths occurred in these inland locations.
Kidsafe Victoria CEO Sarah Sexton said that despite the idyllic setting, farms were home to a range of hidden hazards that can prove dangerous for young children.
“Farms have a number of unique hazards which are not commonly found in a suburban home, including bodies of water such as dams, troughs, irrigation channels and septic pits,” she said.
“And young children are especially vulnerable.
“Even in the midst of drought, when water levels may be lower or water bodies seem less of a threat, these hazards still pose a very real risk.
“Toddlers can drown in just a few centimetres of water, so it’s critical we don’t let our guard down.”
Life Saving Victoria’s Andrew English said prevention was always the goal but preparation remained critical, particularly in regional and rural areas.
“Too many young lives are lost in inland waterways such as dams and creeks – often close to home,” he said.
“We urge families to start water safety education early by enrolling children in swimming lessons and, equally, we encourage adults to regularly update their CPR and first aid training.
“In an emergency, knowing what to do can make all the difference.”
Farmsafe Australia executive officer Stevi Howdle added that active supervision was vital in keeping children safe on farms.
“Active supervision on farms means eyes on, not just nearby,” he said.
“It’s not enough for children to be within earshot, they need to be within sight and reach.
“Farms are dynamic, high-risk environments, and young children don’t always recognise danger.
“Supervision needs to be intentional, constant, and free from distractions like phones or jobs that pull your focus elsewhere.”
– Make sure children are always actively supervised by an adult when in or around water. For toddlers, this means having an adult within arm’s reach.
– Establish a securely fenced safe play area away from water hazards, machinery, and animals.
– Cover water tanks, check septic lids are secure, and fill or fence any ditches or post holes.
– Enrol children in swimming lessons from an early age.
– Learn CPR and refresh your skills regularly.
– Dress children in brightly coloured clothing for better visibility.
– Check dams and creeks for changes in conditions, such as higher water levels and debris.
– Where practical, remove any floating objects in dams that may attract curious children.
For more information on child water safety on farms, visit kidsafevic.com.au.
