PARENTS and carers are being warned to watch children around the water during the hot weather.
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With temperatures in Echuca-Moama forecast to repeat last week’s heat wave, reaching the early 40s this week, many families will head to the region’s waterways to cool off.
‘‘Twenty seconds is all it takes for a child to drown,’’ Life Saving Victoria acting operations manager Kane Treloar said.
‘‘Further, for every toddler who drowns another ten are hospitalised, some left with permanent disabilities. It’s paramount to always supervise children closely around water, with children under five years of age within arms’ reach, and children under 10 years of age within supervisor’s line of sight.
‘‘If you have a home swimming pool, make sure you restrict access to water, ensure your pool/spa fence is compliant and never leave pool gates propped open.’’
Victoria Police have received a number of reports of missing children on the beach in the past few weeks, with many children getting lost in large crowds and being at high risk near the water.
‘‘If you are taking your children for a day at the beach, make sure you are properly prepared and aware,’’ Mr Treloar said.
17°C