A mandatory safety standard for baby bath aids introduced today, by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon Chris Pearce MP, should raise safety awareness amongst carers of babies.
"The new standard requires manufacturers to display a warning label on all bath aid products", ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today.
"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 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will enforce the mandatory product safety standard.
"Babies are most dependent upon their carers for their safety – and a baby in a bath can be at particular risk.
"To coincide with the announcement of the safety standard, the ACCC's safety awareness campaign for the use of baby bath aids was also launched today with support from Royal Life Saving. The launch was at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne".
Promoting the awareness campaign, Olympic rowing gold medallist and father of two, Mr Drew Ginn demonstrated safe bathing practices for parents.
"While bath aids can help a carer by providing a free hand and a means of support for the child, it can't keep a baby safe in the carer's absence", Mr Ginn said.
"Carers must always be present when a child is in a bath. Aids cannot be relied upon to ensure safety. If there is a distraction – a telephone call or a knock on the door – carers should either ignore the interruption or take the baby out of the water and away from potential danger.
"Further a child in a bath should only ever be supervised by an adult; leaving a baby in the care of an older child is not sufficient".
As part of the awareness campaign, a brochure and poster to illustrate the steps parents can take to reduce bathtub drowning hazards while using a bath aid has been produced. For more information on product safety or to order the 'Safety Alert: Baby Bath Aids' poster or brochure call 1300 302 502. For further information on keeping children water safe visit the Royal Life Saving website www.keepwatch.com.au.