Each year an average of 13 drowning and 84 non-fatal drowning incidents occur in NSW children. Recent research shows that people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) and newly arrived in Australia are at higher risk of drowning incidents. This is likely to be due to lack of familiarity with water activity and swimming ability in some people.

The ‘Kids Can Drown Without a Sound’ campaign from Kids Health at The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network aims to remind parents and carers of the following to help prevent child drowning. Information and resources are available in 17 languages for CALD communities to be educated about how to be water safe for your children.

1. Have a compliant pool barrier that is used correctly and maintained regularly

2. Supervision of children by a responsible adult (within arm’s reach) in and around water is essential

3. Teach children water familiarisation and swimming skills

4. Learn CPR and remember that any attempt is better than none at all

Download campaign information and resources: http://kidshealth.org.au/inflatable-and-portable-pools, and do the free online ‘CPR Training for Parents’: http://kidshealth.org.au/cpr