Twenty families took part in introductory CPR lessons by Merewether Surf Life Saving Club last weekend as part of a Kidsafe awareness campaign.

Kidsafe Hunter regional executive officer Leonie Forsyth said knowing what to do in an emergency was the key.

“People always get into a panic in these situations – and they are the ones who end up drowning themselves.

“But all it takes is five minutes to learn the fundamentals.”

The lessons at The Good Guys Kotara store were given to walk-in customers.

Learning CPR, restricting access to dangerous area, water familiarisation and supervision are all key concepts in keeping children safe around water with summer fast approaching.

“Whether you go to a public pool, the backyard pool or the beach, there should always be a designated watcher.

“They should be wearing a bright t-shirt or a bright hat, so that the kids know where they are.

“And they should take watch in half-hour shifts; anything more and they get distracted.”

This month The National Drowning report, released by Royal Life Saving, stated that 27 children aged between zero and five years drowned in the year to June 30.

Almost 60 per cent of those children drowned in backyard pools.

And with up to 85pc of pool fences being non compliant with Australian safety standards, the risk of more drownings is imminent.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare research shows for every child drowning death, there are three to four children hospitalised as a result of near-drowning incidents.

Children close to drowning can suffer hypoxic brain injuries, which could lead to spastic quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, speech, hearing, sight or developmental delays.

Throughout the year, The Good Guys Kotara has run fundraising promotions, where 20 cents from every purchase is donated to Kidsafe, which aims to educate people about keeping kids away from dangerous situations.

Last weekend, $5 was donated from every purchase of more than $100; the funds were divided between the Merewether Surf Club and Kidsafe.

For more information on keeping kids safe – go to www.kidsafehunter.com