Paramedic Nikki Jurcutz issues warning over empty eskies and drowning in summer months

A paramedic has issued a warning over the innocent summer item that could prove fatal for children during the summer months, and why 20 seconds is all it takes for a horrific accident to happen.

Nikki Jurcutz, who is a working paramedic, mum and the CEO of parenting organisation Tiny Hearts Education, shared a video demonstrating how an open esky or picnic box full of melted ice is a ‘drowning hazard’ for babies and children.

The reason why is because young children want to look inside, fall in and then drown – all within 20 seconds.

Nikki shared a video illustrating how an open esky or picnic box full of melted ice is a ‘drowning hazard’ for babies and children (pictured) as they only need a small amount of water to drown

‘This is a drowning hazard,’ Nikki said in the video, alongside an empty picnic box full of melted ice.

’20 seconds and a few centimetres of water is all it takes for a toddler to drown. Always put the lid on when it’s in use.’

She added: ‘Tip it upside down when you’re done and keep your little one safe.’

Queensland Government Health highlighted empty eskies, buckets and pet food bowls as three of the most unexpected drowning hazards around the house.

Drowning is the most common form of accidental death in children aged 0 to 5 in Australia, with almost half of those deaths associated with pools, experts highlighted.

However, other smaller bodies of water including that found in empty eskies, water bowls for pets and buckets also pose a significant threat. 

‘The reason why these items are dangerous for toddlers is because they are both curious and it’s a matter of physical development – a toddler’s head is heavier than the rest of their body, which means they can easily topple into a container when they’re exploring,’ Queensland Health said.

‘Toddlers under four are less likely to struggle or cry out than older children, which means they can drown before anyone realises there’s something wrong.’

Queensland Government Health highlighted empty eskies, buckets and pet food bowls as three of the most unexpected drowning hazards around the house (pictured)

Thousands who saw Nikki’s video were quick to thank her for sharing the life-saving advice.

‘So true. My friend was a paramedic and had to go to a scene where a toddler drowned in an esky,’ one commenter wrote.

‘Literally happened to me the other day, someone left the esky out the back open, my little one was trying to touch the water and fell face first into the esky. Luckily I was outside watching,’ another added.

A third wrote: ‘And people always ask me why I keep the toilet, bathroom and laundry shut up with twin toddlers’.