Don't let tragedy dissuade you

Last Sunday I was horrified to read about the toddler that drowned while on an outing with family day care.

My heart broke for the family and all those involved in this terrible tragedy.

As the mother of a four-year-old daughter, I couldn't begin to imagine the agony of losing my child.

My daughter is in family day care on the Woy Woy Peninsula and I am firmly committed to keeping her there.

I am a parent representative on the sub-committee for the Family Day Care Scheme on the Peninsula and I know how seriously our carers take their responsibilities - particularly given the environment we live in, surrounded by water.

Our carers take their children to playgrounds that are well away from water and that are fenced and security gated.

You will sometimes see family day carers at the park in Ryans Rd, Umina and at the playground next to the Community Hall at Kariong.

Please, if you are thinking about using family day care for your child, don't let the tragic event from last week dissuade you.

I am overwhelmingly happy having my child cared for in a small, family-oriented environment.

Joanne McGill Umina