For many families, summer includes enjoyable, outdoor activities such as boating and swimming. Swimming pools, lakes and rivers offer a lot of fun if they are enjoyed safely. Unfortunately, each year, tragic and avoidable water-related incidents occur in our province.

It’s important for everyone to continue to stay informed about water safety information and basic water skills. Please take a few minutes to read the Canadian Red Cross Summer Water Safety information below – it could save a life.

Prevention

Active supervision

• The absence of adult supervision is a factor in most child drownings.
• Whether it’s a pool, the bathtub, a water park, or the beach, always watch children actively around water-even if they can swim.
• Consider requiring all non-swimmers to wear a lifejacket to keep them at the surface to assist you while supervising.

Backyard pools

• Backyard pools are especially dangerous for small children. Ensure adequate barriers are in place such as four-sided fencing (recommended at least 1.2 m in height, with gaps no larger than 10 cm) along with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Empty portable toddler pools after each use.

Bathing children

• When bathing infants or toddlers, an adult should remain with the child at all times- children should never be relied upon to supervise other children in the bath.
• When a child is in the bathtub, never leave to answer the phone or for any other momentary distraction.

Diving

• Diving headfirst into water should be avoided unless the individual is properly trained and is sure that the water is deep enough.
• Avoid diving in home pools and always enter the water feet-first.

Open water

• Never underestimate the power of current. Swimmers or waders can be swept away in an instant, particularly if non-swimmers or weak swimmers get caught by current in rivers or out of their depth in abrupt drop-offs.
• Be cautious about swimming in currents, and know what to do if caught in a current.

Health & Safety Tips – Summer Water Safety

For more information, please visit: www.redcross.ca