Be Summer Safe this summer!

13 November 2023

We want you to have a safe, happy and healthy summer. Everyday summer products can be unsafe if they are incorrectly used or if children are not supervised.

To have a safe summer, follow our top tips:

Portable pools

A popular alternative to in-ground pools are portable pools, but they can be just as dangerous.

Portable pools might be a cheaper option than installing an in-ground pool, but many parents and carers don't realise the significant drowning risks and the need for fencing if the pool contains more than 30 centimetres of water.

Anyone with a portable pool should always:

  • Supervise - within arm’s reach.
  • Act - learn CPR and be emergency ready.
  • Fence - pools deeper than 30cm.
  • Empty - and store safely.

Christmas toys – button batteries and choking

The holidays are a great opportunity to check if any of the products in your house or the houses of your loved ones have been recalled. Check our product recalls page for the latest information.

If you're rushing with last minute Christmas shopping, take time to check that gifts for little ones are age appropriate and don’t pose choking hazards. Be sure to read any warning labels and follow all safety instructions.

Check all Christmas toys and products in the home to see if they come with button batteries. Ensure button batteries are screwed in and not easily accessible to children. If swallowed or inserted, button batteries can become stuck and burn through soft tissue in just two hours. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

For more information about button batteries go to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commision website.

Trampolines

Trampolines may appear to be safe, but hundreds of Australian children are taken to hospital every year for trampoline-related injuries such as cuts, sprains and fractures. Don’t let your trampoline spring a nasty surprise. Trampolines have been designed for only one child to use at a time.

Follow the 5-step safety checklist to keep kids safe on trampolines:

  1. One at a time.
  2. Supervise.
  3. Safety padding.
  4. Check condition.
  5. Hazard free surrounds.

For more information about trampolines go to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commision website.

Aquatic toys

Aquatic toys and flotation devices can also provide parents with a false sense of their child’s swimming ability. They are not safety devices. Children who can't swim may drown if their aquatic toy fails or if they don't use it properly.

When buying or using aquatic toys, check the age and weight restrictions to ensure the products are appropriate for use. Read the warning labels and packaging carefully and follow instructions for proper assembly and use.

Aquatic toys don't replace the need for active adult supervision – always supervise around water.

For more information about aquatic toys go to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commision website.

eRideables

A fun way for kids to zip around outdoors is on a motorised scooter but it’s important to remember these devices are not toys and are dangerous if used incorrectly.

Parents and caregivers should always:

  • only purchase age-appropriate devices.
  • make sure kids wear a helmet.
  • only allow one person per device.
  • unplug lithium-ion batteries once fully charged to prevent fires, explosions and serious injuries.

For more information about eRideables go to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commision website.