Australian parents need more education and support when it comes to responding to a drowning emergency, a survey has found.
The Pure Profile survey, released on Sunday, found more than half of Australian parents with children aged two to eight say they wouldn't know how to perform CPR if their child stopped breathing.
Ahead of December, the peak month for drowning in Australia, Westpac has launched the bright red Rescue Rashie printed with step-by-step instructions for how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
CPR Kids founder and paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead said resuscitation can mean the difference between life and death.
"I meet so many parents who have been in a serious situation and wish they knew at least the basic steps," she said.
"The Westpac Rescue Rashie is such a smart and practical design. It helps parents by taking them through lifesaving CPR steps while the emergency services make their way to the scene."
The UPF 50+ sun-safe Rescue Rashie was developed in partnership with paediatric first aid training and education organisation CPR Kids after survey conducted in early 2016 results showed two thirds of Australian parents would need to search CPR instructions on their smartphone if they were faced with a drowning emergency.
A child who receives CPR is almost five times more likely to have a good health outcome following a drowning incident.
Westpac State General Manager NSW and mother of two, Jessica Power said parents need to be supported when it comes to responding to a drowning emergency.
"As parents, it is a scenario we all deeply fear but one we need to be prepared for," she said.
Westpac Rescue Rashies are available for $35 each, with proceeds going to Take Heart Australia to fund vital CPR training.
There were 29 drowning deaths in children aged 0-4 between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, a 32% increase from the previous year.