YOUNG CHILDREN DROWNED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29342, 22 October 1960, Page 16

YOUNG CHILDREN DROWNED

High Rate Causes ' Concern

The number of young children drowned last year was the factor causing the gravest concern, said the annual report of the National Water Safety Council. Almost 25 per cent, of the 127 drownings recorded last year were of children under the agetof five. It was the only type of drowning which was more frequent in winter than in summer—--18 compared with 13. “To reduce the high rate, constant vigilance of water hazards for the young was needed,” the repot said. The figures for drownings in each age group were: under five years, 31; five to 10, 14; 11 to 15, 5; 16 to 21, 12; 21 to 30, 13; over 31, 14 The report said that most drownings occurred in rivers, streams and creeks with a total of 46. Boating accidents showed an increase with 28 deaths and 22 persons were drowned at beaches or in harbours. Other causes were: swimming baths, 7; sheep dips'and water-troughs, 6; drains and ditches. 4; ponds and wells. 3; fishing off rocks, 3: tanks and reservoirs, 2; baths at home, 2; lakes and lagoons, 2. “Many of the fatalities are caused through carelessness — leaving children unguarded, overloading small boats, swimmers over-estimating their • ability and fishermen being careless of the big wave,” the report said. Another aspect which caused concern was the number of drownings in public and private swimming baths. “These should be our safest bathing places yet there were seven deaths. It is considered that the murky water of unfiltered pools is one of the main causes of tragedies,” said the report. After a full study of the techniques involved, the standing committee on resuscitation recommended the adoption of the expired air method of resuscitation. Pamphlets, posters and instructional films were being used to educate the public as quickly as possible in this method.