Australia Day warning: Why backyard parties are a ‘danger zone’ for toddlers

Parties a ‘danger zone’ for toddlers warn water safety experts

As the summer holidays enter their final stretch, Kids Alive has issued a critical safety plea to families ahead of the high-risk Australia Day long weekend: don't let the celebrations distract you from supervision.

The call comes amid 31 drownings since the start of summer*, with the season accounting for 39% of all drowning deaths in Australia and, tragically, 54% of drownings among children under five.

More than half of drowning incidents in children aged 0-4 occur on weekends**, when families are more likely to be gathering and celebrating, and swimming pools remain the leading location. In response, Kids Alive has launched the Super Eyes initiative, an evolution of the successful Watch Your Mate campaign, to help prevent supervision lapses this long weekend.

Laurie Lawrence, founder of Kids Alive said parties were a "danger zone" for toddlers because adults often assume someone else was watching the children.

"Parties are a real danger zone for toddlers because when the music is playing, people are talking, and there’s alcohol around, everyone thinks someone else is watching the kids. It is easy for supervision to slip and it only takes a few silent seconds for a child to get into serious trouble.

"That is why we are asking families to designate a ‘Super Eyes Mate' who is responsible for being the active supervisor of kids in the water because when ‘Super Eyes’ are watching, kids are safer. You aren't checking your phone or chatting to friends, you are watching the water."

The campaign aims to turn supervision from a passive concept into a visible, physical responsibility.

“We want to see ‘Super Eyes’ in action at every backyard pool and event this weekend. Friends and family can take turns and we encourage people to wear something that signifies they are the Super Eyes Mate. Make sure everyone at the party knows who is in charge of supervising the kids in the pool or at the beach and share the responsibility with a group of parents so everyone stays fresh and focused.”  

Kids Alive are giving away Super Eyes Mate packs to help families celebrate safely with a bright yellow Super Eyes hat, red sunglasses and Kids Alive water safety book set. Visit kidsalive social channels for details.