The State Government is urging Queenslanders to put safety at the centre of their summer fun this holiday period.
Some of the biggest risks can be in the home and backyard, including hazards associated with barbecues, toys containing button batteries, and swimming pools.
In 2024-25, there were 15 drowning deaths of children under five years old nationwide, with half occurring in at-home swimming pools. Across Australia, one child every month is seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery.
The safety alert comes as the Office of Fair Trading joins regulators from across the country for the ‘Be Summer Safe’ campaign.
The campaign is focused on products that are popular during the summer holiday period including:
Portable pools – children can drown in small amounts of water, so always supervise children, know CPR, ensure the pool complies with standards, and pack it away when you’re not using it.
Pool toys and swimming aids – check the age and weight restrictions and always supervise children when playing in the water.
Button batteries – make sure the battery compartment is secure, especially for children’s toys, and that it can’t be opened by little hands.
Trampolines – check the condition of the trampoline and safety padding, always supervise, and limit jumping to one child at a time. Only buy a trampoline that meets Australian standards, place it on soft ground, and keep the area clear of hazards.
Barbecue brushes – before you fire up the barbecue, check the brush and throw it away if there are any bent, missing or loose bristles. Loose or broken bristles can end up in your food, posing serious health risks.
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.”
For more tips to be safe this summer, head to the Staying Safe in Summer webpage.
Any concerns about unsafe products should be reported to the Office of Fair Trading at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
