Geraldton parents learn to Keep Watch

Drowning remains the leading cause of preventable death for children under the age of five, and water is especially dangerous as babies grow into toddlers and begin to explore the world around them. They're naturally drawn to water but can't understand the dangers of falling in, which is why it's vital parents and carers of young children know how to keep their kids safe.

Our Keep Watch toddler drowning prevention program aims to reach as many parents across our state as possible to ensure these vital skills and knowledge can save children’s lives. Recently Keep Watch parent ambassador Kylie Parker delivered one of our Keep Watch education sessions to parents at Centacare SNUGGLES parents group in her home town of Geraldton.

Kylie tragically lost her three-year-old son Jake to drowning in a back yard pool in 2019. She is bravely sharing her story and educating parents about drowning prevention as a way of honouring Jake’s life.

The Keep Watch program aims to prevent drowning deaths of children under five, advising parents and carers on ways to keep kids safe around water, with four main messages:

• Supervise - Always keep watch of your child around water
• Restrict - Restrict your child's access to water at all times
• Teach - Teach your child water safety skills
• Respond - Learn CPR and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency

Royal Life Saving WA is pleased to have Kylie as part of our team, as she shares this vital education to ensure other parents don’t have to go through the grief she has experienced in losing her child to drowning. You can read more of Kylie’s story at the link below.