The community is being urged to put safety first this summer, after 15 children under five tragically drowned across Australia in 2024-25, with half of them in home swimming pools.
The safety alert comes as the Office of Fair Trading joins regulators from across the country for the ‘Be Summer Safe’ campaign.
Some of the biggest risks can be in the home and backyard, including hazards associated with barbecues, toys containing button batteries, and swimming pools.
Across Australia, one child every month is seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery.
Key safety tips include supervising children around portable pools and swimming toys, securing button batteries in children’s toys, checking trampolines for safety and limiting jumping to one child at a time, and inspecting barbecue brushes to avoid loose bristles that could cause injury.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said she wanted to see every Queenslander enjoying a safe and happy holiday.
“Summer is a time for families to relax, cool down, and have fun, and we want to see everyone enjoy it safely,” the Attorney-General said.
“Whether kids are jumping into a portable pool in the backyard or playing with toys, it’s important for parents to supervise them to avoid serious injuries or tragedies.
“Please check products to make sure that they meet Australian standards and always read warning labels and follow any instructions.
“Some of these warnings aren’t just for children, though — adults also need to take care around the water and when firing up the barbie, so we can all enjoy summer without needing a trip to the hospital.”
Any concerns about unsafe products should be reported to the Office of Fair Trading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
