All children love to play outdoors.

Tips to keeping them safe

• Never leave your child unattended outdoors.
• Close front and back gates to prevent your child getting out to a street or road.
• Make sure there are no gaps in a fence or balcony that a child can squeeze through Cover off garden ponds or exposed slurry pits if on a farm.
• Lock storage sheds and garages containing hazardous materials and potentially dangerous gardening equipment.
  Check out door play areas regularly removing trash, sharp branches, tools and equipment.
• Cover sand boxes when not in use to prevent animals using them as litter boxes.
• Never attach rope to outdoor play equipment.
• Safely anchor ground permanent outdoor equipment such as swings or slides.
• Remove plants and trees that have poisonous leaves or berries.
• Never leave a child unattended in a pram or buggy outside a shop.

Safety in the Sun

• Always protect your child from the harmful rays of the sun and remember children can get sunburnt on cold, overcast summer days.
• Keep your child out of the midday sun and in the shade if possible.
• Use a hat and cover up with long sleeved t shirts.
• Use sun screen SPF 30 or higher to all exposed areas remembering ears, back of neck and reapply every couple of hours.
• Choose lotions and sun spray specifically for children.
• Protect your child’s eyes with sun glasses that have UV protection.

Drowning happens very quickly and quietly.

Most children that drown are under 4 years of age. Young children can drown in very little (only a few centimetres) water.

Always stay with your child when near paddle pools and empty them when not in use.

Rain water collects in all types of containers. Remember to empty them regularly.