Safe summer

An outdoor barbecue grill with meat and vegetables cooking on it

Summer means more time outdoors, water activities and new toys for kids to play with. But everyday summer products can be unsafe if they are used incorrectly or if children aren’t supervised, and some toys can have hidden dangers.

See our tips to help keep you and your family safe this summer.

Portable pools

Portable pools are a popular alternative to in-ground pools, but they can be just as dangerous. Many parents and carers may not realise the significant drowning risks.

In South Australia it is a requirement for all portable pools with a depth of 30cm or more to be fenced.

Anyone with a portable pool should always:

supervise young children within arm’s reach
learn CPR and be emergency ready
fence pools that are 30cm deep or more
empty and store the pool safely away.

Aquatic toys and flotation aids

Aquatic toys and flotation aids are not safety devices. They can also make a child seem more competent in the water, providing parents with a false sense of their child’s swimming ability.

Children who cannot swim may drown if their aquatic toy or flotation aid fails or if they don’t use it properly.

So remember, these items don’t replace the need for active adult supervision.

Check the age and weight restrictions of these products to ensure they’re appropriate for your child. Read the warning labels and follow instructions for proper assembly and use. And check toys and aids for signs of wear and tear and replace if required.

Trampolines

Trampolines appear to be safe, but did you know they’ve been designed for only one child to use at a time?

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.

Always use safety padding on the frame and make sure there are no hazards around the trampoline.

Regularly check the condition of the trampoline. Make sure there are no holes or a bent frame, springs are intact and securely attached at both ends, and leg braces are securely locked.

eRideables

It can be fun to zip around outdoors 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:

only purchase 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.

Inspect the battery regularly for signs of damage or wear. Never use a battery or charger which shows signs of failure – e.g. denting, overheating or swelling.

Christmas toys

Check the gifts you receive or plan to give haven’t been recalled or banned. 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.

For products that are powered by button or coin batteries, make sure the battery compartment is secured – e.g. screwed in – so the batteries aren’t easily accessible to young children.

If swallowed or inserted into body parts such as ears or the nose, button and coin batteries can become stuck and burn through soft tissue in just two hours.

If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. If the child is having any difficulty breathing, contact 000.

BBQ safety

While barbecue brushes help keep your grill clean, damaged or worn brushes can turn a great meal into a real hazard. Loose or broken bristles can end up in your food, posing serious health risks.

Check the grill for loose bristles before cooking, or use a bristle-free cleaner.

Check the Product Safety Australia website to make sure your BBQ hasn’t been recalled.

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