There are plenty of ways to cool off over summer while enjoying some rest and relaxation or spending time with family and friends. Follow our helpful tips to keep you and your family safe and injury-free over the summer.

Pools and portable pools

It can be fun to sit in a portable pool on a warm day, but many parents, grandparents and carers don't realise the significant drowning risks for children in as little as three centimetres of water. So always keep watch when little ones are around water and make sure children are within arm’s reach at all times.

There’s also a legal requirement for fencing if the pool contains more than 30 centimetres of water, given the risk to young children. And when play time ends, make sure you empty the pool and store it safely away. Never leave an empty pool where it can refill with rain or sprinkler water.

Aquatic toys

If kids will be swimming in your pool at home or you plan to take them to your local pool or beach, take care with aquatic toys and flotation devices, particularly if children are not strong swimmers. These items are not safety devices and children may drown if their aquatic toy fails or if they don't use it properly.

Floating toys come in all sorts of shapes and fun colours, but it’s important to check the age and weight restrictions to ensure the products are appropriate. 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 closely supervise around water.

Toys and novelty items

You may have a box of toys for grandchildren to play with when they visit your home. It’s a good idea to check whether any of the toys or novelty items contain button batteries. And if they do, make sure the battery compartment is child-resistant - e.g. secured with a screw – so the product doesn’t release the battery and it’s difficult for a young child to access it. If swallowed or inserted, button batteries can become stuck and burn through soft tissue in just two hours and can be fatal.

Keep any spare and used button batteries away from children.

If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. If the child is not breathing, call triple zero.

eRideables

It’s not just kids who ride around on motorised scooters, skateboards or other vehicles these days – these items are becoming popular with many adults too. But it’s important to remember these devices are not toys and are dangerous if used incorrectly.

If you or children in your care will be riding an eRideable, make sure every rider wears a helmet and only allow one person per device. Children should only ride a device that’s age-appropriate.

If powered by a lithium-ion battery, make sure you unplug the battery once fully charged to prevent fires, explosions and serious injuries.

More summer safety tips

For more safety tips see the summer safety page on the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) website.

To check if a product has been recalled, visit Product Safety Australia.

Please report unsafe products to CBS via the Contact us online reporting tool or phone 131 882.