- Safety warning for parents about the dangers of eRideables
- Quarter of drowning deaths in young children occurred in a pool in 2022-23
- Trampolines and Christmas presents with button batteries can be hazardous
With the warm weather here already, Consumer Protection has some timely safety tips for families to enjoy a safe summer.
A fun way for kids to zip around outdoors is on a motorised scooter, but it is important to remember these devices are not toys and can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake urges parents to make sure to only purchase age-appropriate devices.
"Many eRideables are designed for people aged over 16 years old due to the speed limit exceeding 10km/h, which is the maximum speed allowed for children," Ms Blake said.
"It's also important to remember that children under 16 are not allowed to use devices on public roads and paths, only on private property and in non-public areas.
"We are seeing an increase in eRideable accidents due to their growing popularity, so make sure you and your kids always wear a helmet and remember, only one person is allowed per device.
"Don't let an eRide end in the ED."
Parents should also look for dangers in the backyard and around swimming pools.
Drowning deaths occur more frequently during the summer months. Figures from Royal Life Saving Australia show 281 people lost their lives to drowning across Australia in 2022-23, including 23 kids under 14 years old.
"Twenty-five per cent of drowning deaths in kids aged 0 to 4 occurred in a swimming pool, so we want everyone to keep water safety front of mind including in portable pools," Ms Blake said.
"Portable pools might be small and seem safe, but they pose significant drowning risks to children if there is more than 30 centimetres of water and no fencing around the pool.
"Flotation and aquatic toys are also not safety devices, so never assume that kids are safe in the water while wearing them.
"Make sure in-ground pool gates are self-closing and the latches lock properly to prevent access when you're not around. Never prop pool gates open and keep furniture and other large items well clear so kids can't use them to climb over.
"When it comes to water safety, there is no substitute for adult supervision, so parents and carers should keep constant watch around any water source."
Another fun backyard activity for kids is jumping on a trampoline, but they can also be hazardous when not used correctly, with many kids ending up in hospital each year from accidents.
"It only takes one bad bounce before the fun is over and a trip to the ED ensues," Ms Blake said.
"Make sure only one child uses a trampoline at a time and supervise their use. Put padding on the frame and remove any hazards located near the trampoline."
Finally, many Christmas toys that light up and make fun sounds contain tiny button batteries which can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly if small children were to swallow them.
"Every week around 20 Australian kids present to the ED after swallowing a button battery, so it's vital for parents to check that button batteries are properly secured in toys so they can't be easily accessed or come loose when an item is dropped or breaks," Ms Blake said.
"When buying Christmas presents for young children, make sure toys are age‑appropriate to help prevent injury from button batteries but also choking."
For more summer safety tips, visit the Product Safety Australia website.
Safety advice for eRideables can be found on the Road Safety Commission website.
