January is National Bath Safety Month.
Theresa Gray, the owner of the Aqua Antics swim school in Secunda, said about 80% of infant or child drowning deaths happen in the bathtub, and children can drown in only 25mm of water.
Therefore, an undistracted adult should constantly supervise children during bath time.
Here are a few suggestions on how to keep your child safe in the bathtub:
• Ensure you have everything you need before you get started. Towels, soap, and toys should be within reach so you do not have to leave your child’s side.
• Ignore phone calls, text messages and other distractions. Nothing is more imperative than supervising your child when in water.
• Always test the water temperature with your elbow or wrist before filling the bath. Your geyser should be set to 48°C or lower to avoid burns.
• Do not use bath seats or rings because they can easily tip over.
• If you use an infant bath, ensure it is sturdy and in good working order.
“Dr Jill Fortuin, the executive director of Drowning Prevention at the National Sea Rescue Institute, said one child under the age of four drowns every day within 20m of their home.
“Be vigilant,” warned Gray.
