The longer days and warmer weather mean many hours spent outdoors, perhaps in a shady spot in the garden or cooling off in a pool. You might be enjoying more time with grandchildren over the holidays or just soaking up the summer vibe with friends. Whichever ways you’re wiling away the sunny days, see our tips for staying safe.

Riding around with ease

Electric bikes and scooters have grown in popularity with people of all ages, requiring less effort to get around than using pedal or human power alone and they can be a cheap form of transport. It’s essential that riders always wear a helmet and there’s only one rider per device. When riding with children, make sure they only use an e-bike or e-scooter that’s age appropriate, and help them understand that eRideables are not toys. Don’t let an eRide end in the hospital emergency department.

Most motorised bikes and scooters are powered by lithium-ion batteries, so take care when charging. Lithium-ion batteries can become high-risk through human error. To help prevent fire and injury, always allow the battery to cool after use and before you recharge. Make sure you use a compatible charger for the battery and unplug it as soon as the battery is fully charged.

Pool safety

Constant active supervision is the key to keeping kids safe around water, so don’t get distracted by a visitor or your phone if caring for children.

In South Australia, pool fencing laws apply to ANY type of pool with a depth of 30cm or greater. While you might think portable pools looks innocent, they can be just as dangerous as an in-ground pool. Young children can drown in as little as 3 centimetres of water; it only takes a few seconds. So, keep watch whenever kids are playing in or around water.

It’s also important to empty and store away smaller portable pools. Pour out the water, deflate the pool and keep it out of reach of children when not in use. Never leave an empty pool where it can refill with rain or sprinkler water.

Be aware that aquatic toys and flotation aids (floaties) are not safety devices. Children that cannot swim may drown if these products fail, or if the flotation aid they are using isn’t appropriate for their age and/or weight.

Remember, constant adult supervision is key to making sure everyone enjoys pool time without any accidents.

Button batteries

Button batteries are found in common household items and can cause serious injuries or death if swallowed by a child. Items such as TV remotes, keys with garage remote fobs, home medical devices such as thermometers, toys and decorations (particularly those that light up or make sounds) are often powered by button batteries.

Around 20 Australian kids per week are sent to hospital emergency departments after swallowing a button battery. If swallowed or inserted, button batteries can become stuck and burn through soft tissue in just two hours. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

If friends or family with children visit your home during the holidays, make sure items powered by button batteries have secure battery compartments that can’t be easily opened by children.

More summer safety tips

For more safety tips see the summer safety page on the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) website.

To check if a product has been recalled, visit Product Safety Australia.

Please report product safety concerns to CBS by calling 131 882 or via the consumer complaints online form (select the option to ‘report an unsafe product’).