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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 swimming pools
Portable pools are a popular, cheaper alternative to in-ground pools, but they can be just as dangerous for children as they pose significant drowning risks.
In most parts of Australia, if a pool has 30cm of water in it, there’s a legal requirement for it to be fenced even for temporary use.
Anyone with a portable pool should remember to be SAFE:
- Supervise - within arm’s reach.
- Act - learn CPR and be emergency ready.
- Fence - pools deeper than 30cm.
- Empty - and store safely.
For more information visit the Make it safe website.
Christmas toys – button batteries and choking
The holidays are a great opportunity to check if any of the products you or your loved ones own 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.
Look for products that don’t use button batteries. If they do, make sure the product has a secure battery compartment that can’t be opened by children. If swallowed or inserted, button batteries can cause severe injury within 2 hours. This can be fatal. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Visit our button batteries page for more information
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 should only be used by one child at a time.
Follow the 5-step safety checklist to keep kids safe on trampolines:
- one at a time
- supervise
- safety padding
- check condition
- hazard free surrounds.
Visit our trampolines page for more information
Aquatic toys
Aquatic toys and flotation devices can 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 make sure 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 children around water.
Visit our aquatic toys page for more information
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 buy 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.