Key Takeaways
- The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where people are less likely to help in emergency situations when others are present.
- Minimising time in water and starting CPR as soon as possible are crucial steps for increasing the chances of survival in drowning incidents.
- Understanding the bystander effect and taking responsibility can help individuals override it and take action in emergency situations.
- Active supervision of children around water is essential to prevent drowning incidents.
- Designing public water features with safety in mind can help reduce the risk of drowning incidents.
Introduction to the Bystander Effect
The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where people are less likely to help in emergency situations when others are present. This effect was highlighted in a recent incident where a 4-year-old girl, Nia, drowned in a fountain in Memorial Park, Tauranga. Registered clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire explained that the bystander effect is not because people don’t care, but because of how our brains react under stress and uncertainty. In emergencies, every second matters, and people may assume someone else will act or be better placed to help.
Understanding the Bystander Effect
Maguire said that people may also fear "getting it wrong," especially when a child or another family is involved. They may look for cues, such as if others are passive, and interpret the situation as less serious. The nervous system can also go into a "freeze response" in moments of shock, which is an automatic stress reaction, not a conscious choice. Maguire emphasized that it’s not about blaming individuals but understanding human behavior so we can do better. Awareness of the bystander effect means we are more likely to override it, and if something doesn’t look right, it’s better to act and be wrong than to hesitate and lose precious time.
Lessons Learned from the Tragedy
A Water Safety New Zealand statement said Nia’s drowning was a stark call for adults to actively supervise children at all times around water. The organization encouraged public infrastructure managers to consider the risks of water and young children. Acting chief executive Gavin Walker commended the council for changing the fountain’s design to remove the drowning risk while keeping a "valued community asset." The council also took steps to improve safety at other water features in the area, including installing a new CCTV camera, clearing vegetation, and improving hazard warning signage.
Overriding the Bystander Effect
Maguire provided tips on how to override the bystander effect, including assuming responsibility, acting first and asking questions later, giving clear directions to others, expecting to freeze and moving anyway, and trusting instincts. She emphasized that one person taking action can be enough to shift the whole situation. With children, it’s essential to act without hesitation, as safety overrides social discomfort. If a child appears unresponsive or at risk, intervene immediately.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The incident highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of the bystander effect. By recognizing the psychological phenomenon, individuals can take steps to override it and take action in emergency situations. The council’s efforts to improve safety at public water features are a positive step towards reducing the risk of drowning incidents. Ultimately, it’s crucial for individuals to take responsibility and act quickly in emergency situations, rather than relying on others to take action. By doing so, we can create a safer and more responsive community.
