Keep safe and enjoy the Queensland lifestyle

Queenslanders are being urged to enjoy our great lifestyle and keep safe, as school holidays get underway.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said it’s so important that families know what to look out for when planning their holiday.

“We want Queenslanders to take advantage of our great lifestyle, whether they’re camping, swimming, or visiting friends and family - while also staying safe,” Minister Fentiman said.

“When purchasing new equipment for camping or toys to use in the pool, please make sure you read the safety labels, and check if the items have been recalled.

“Just recently, we have seen products recalled such as an inflatable snorkelling wand float, as well as a vehicle recovery snatch strap used to tow bogged vehicles.

“And when it comes to water safety, it’s so important to stay alert when supervising children around water.”

More than 65 Queenslanders drowned in 2020-21, which is an increase of six percent compared to the year before.

Safe holiday tips include:

• Don’t be distracted when supervising children, especially around water.
• Aquatic and floatation toys are not safety devices, do not assume a child is safe around water because they are wearing them.
• Check that button battery compartments are secure and comply with new safety laws.
• When purchasing a motor vehicle recovery strap or ‘snatch strap’ to assist in recovering bogged vehicles, make sure it is the correct one for your vehicle.

Australian businesses must also comply with new safety standards for selling products with button batteries.

“Button batteries can be fatal if swallowed,” the Minister said.

“Button battery compartments must be secured so that they can’t be opened by children or come loose when the item is dropped.”

If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

For more information on consumer safety tips, please visit: Product safety for consumers | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)