Dips, drains—farm death traps

Press, 10 August 1979, Page 13

Dips, drains—farm death traps

Fanners should watch for potential water hazards the next time they do the rounds of the farm to check stock and fences, advises the New Zealand Water Safety Council. Most people are aware that rivers, lakes and the sea are dangerous places to leave young children unsupervised. But each year many children are (frowned in rural areas through falling into sheep dips, open drains or culverts or playing in streams. For years the Water Safety Council has warned farmers of these hazards, and urged them to take basic precautions. Sadly, every year the statistics show that children have drowned in this way. Water is a fascinating plaything for most young children; they love it. Unfortunately, they have no fear of or respect for water. Fascinated and curious, they go straight to streams, rivers, uncovered troughs and drains, even big puddles. It is not enough for parents to tell their children, “don’t play near the old sheep dip.” A child’s curiosity often gets the better of him. The council urges farmers to be aware of the hazards in their own backyards. “Check that goldfish ponds, boundary streams and water tanks

are fenced off or covered,” it advises. Don’t leave buckets, wheelbarrows or any large receptacles lying around in which rainwater can collect. They could prove a fatal temptation to a toddler. “Think before letting children out to play after the rain has stopped. They may be dressed properly in gumboots, raincoats and hat. But ask yourself: Is the stream in flood? Are the banks safe? “Don’t let the children

out to play until these things are checked and it’s safe for them. This means looking over the farm through the eyes of the child. Remember that children are both ingenious and inquisitive and they could find the one hazard you overlooked. “Explain to children why they must not go near certain places. Take them on a tour of the farm and point out the dangers to them. Do not instil fear in children, but

in some cases this may be necessary until they learn to respect water. It is not always possible to watch children all day every day, and they do slip away unnoticed at times.” Unused troughs are a common danger on farms, and must be securely covered says the council. There is no point in draining a disused trough that is going to simply fill up with water again. It is worth remembering that a

child can drown in only 60 seconds. Covers must be secure — a few old planks placed over a trough does not give enough protection, because a child can remove them. A covering of strong mesh wire, however, will prevent a child from falling or climbing in. Many farms have quiet little streams running through them in summer. Fed by heavy rains in mid-winter, they take on a

different character. Eroded banks can slip away suddenly, and dangerous water holes can form — hazards that should be pointed out and explained to children. All children should be taught to swim as early as possible. Knowing how to swim may be of little help to a child who has fallen into a water trough or drain, but may help prevent the youngster from panicking while he calls for help.

“Learn rescue breathing,” the council urges. “You may never need this simple technique, but having learnt it, you will always know that you are capable of saving a life. Instruction courses are conducted by life-saving clubs, St John Ambulance or Red Cross. Practise the techniques; don’t rely on memory. “Remember that water safety is just is important on land as it is on the beach or by a river.”