Joint release: N.T. Department of Health and Community Services and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
A mandatory safety standard for baby bath aids which aims to raise safety awareness amongst carers of babies was introduced recently by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon Chris Pearce MP.
Dr Steven Skov, Community Physician, of the Northern Territory's Department of Health and Community Services' Injury and Safety Unit, said that: "In recent years there have been several deaths and injuries in young children associated with the use of baby bath aids.
"I know that bath aids can be a helpful for parents who have many things to do at once. But if a child is left alone in the bath aid even for just a moment when they go to answer the phone or the doorbell, the child can very quickly wriggle out of the bath aid, slip or get stuck and become trapped under water.
"If carers are going to use bath aids, they must never leave a child alone in one. Older children should not be left to look after babies in bath aids: an adult should always be present".
The Northern Territory regional director of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Mr Derek Farrell, said: "The new standard requires manufacturers to display a warning label on all bath aid products.
"The label, which must be visible when the child is in the product, will alert users that children have drowned using bath aids and that the carer should always remain within arms reach. The label also warns that bath aids are not a safety device or a substitute for adult supervision.
"The ACCC will be making sure that all baby bath aids conform to product safety standards and carry the warning.
"A Safety Alert: Baby Bath Aids brochure and poster has been produced to illustrate the steps parents can take to reduce bathtub drowning hazards while using a bath aid.
Copies are available from the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 (local call) or the ACCC website.