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| Swimming pool | Drowning | Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment Swimming pools must be properly fenced off – use a SABS approved fence Make sure the gates self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach Add a professionally installed pool safety net to cover your pool Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool Avoid inflatable swimming aids. They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security. Empty paddling pools when not in use. Fishing poinds should also be covered with a net or mesh if you have small children Swim programmes for children under four should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning. Enforce rules such as no running, no pushing, no dunking and never swim alone. Attend a CPR class. Make sure your baby-sitter has attended a CPR class. Encourage neighbours who have a pool to follow pool safety guidelines |
| Sunburn | Never allow children to stay in the sun for a long period between 11am and 2pm Protect your children from the sun, using shade, a hat and clothing; apply sunscreen regularly |
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| Garden shed | Cuts, concussion | Keep garden tools locked away |
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| Paint, petrol and other poisonous substances | Poisoning, burns | Lock away Use childproof caps |
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| Tools | Cuts, shock | Store out of reach. Unplug all electrical tools when not in use |
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| Road | Accidents | Install a fence around your property so that children can't run across the road Make sure children can't get out through gaps in fences or open gates Don't leave boxes or any other objects near fence in case your child climbs on top of it to climb over the fence Teach older children simple traffic safety rules Always supervise a young child near traffic (children are only ready to cross the road by themselves when they are approximately 8-9 years old). |
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| Braai | Burns | Don't allow children near open flames Ensure that they wear shoes in case they step on hot coals |
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| Plants | Poisoning | Remove any poisonous plants or move them where children can't get to them Teach your children not to eat any plants, fungi, berries or seeds |
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| Insecticides | Poisoning | Store insecticides where children cannot reach them |
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| Inline skates, roller skates, scooters and skateboards | Falls | Children should be old enough to use them Make sure your child wears a helmet, wrist, elbow and knee protectors |
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| Bicycles | Falls | Don't buy a bicycle that is too big for the child Make sure your child wears a helmet Teach children how to use bikes correctly and safely |
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| Playground equipment | Falls, cuts, burns | Equipment should suit the age of the child. Carefully maintain all equipment (i.e. look for loose parts, splinters, rust, etc). Choose low play equipment with soft undersurfacing Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part. Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent childrens' legs from getting burned. Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines |
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| Pet | Bites | Never leave your infant or young child alone with any dog. If you are getting a pet as a companion for your child, wait until your child is mature enough to handle and care for the animal - usually at the age of five or six. Teach your child some basic safety precautions for dealing with dogs outside your home, such as not surprising or scaring a dog or never approaching an unfamiliar dog. |
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18 Aug 2003
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