A Parent’s Guide to Water Safety

A Parent’s Guide to Water Safety

It’s finally here. The time of the year so many people wait for. Summer. Going on boat rides, getting ice cream and of course backyard BBQs are just a few past times many families enjoy during the summer months. Summer also means more people spending their days lounging by the pool, at the beach and by the lake.

Remembering to stay safe around water, especially with children, should always be a priority. Drowning is one of the most common causes of unintentional deaths in Canadian children according to The Canadian Red Cross.

So, before you take your kids to the pool, beach or around open water, make sure you read our guide on staying safe & preventing water related injuries and accidents.

  • Designate a supervisor

Many drownings and water related accidents happen due to a lack of supervision. Having someone keeping an eye on children near any source of water (that means bathtubs too!) allows for quick action should something take a turn for the worst. Keeping all young children and weak or non-swimmers in lifejackets while near water gives the supervisor additional reassurance of their safety.

  • Diving

Diving headfirst into a pool may seem like harmless fun but it can lead to serious injury if you’re not careful. Never dive into a pool, or allow divining to occur, without first knowing exactly how deep the water is. Check your surroundings for signs indicating the depth or ask the pools owner/lifeguard. Be sure to have the conversation with your children about diving in the shallow end, making sure they understand all the pool rules.

  • Open Water

Floating down a river on a hot summer day can be a fan favourite when it comes to summer activities. However, one thing most people don’t consider is how strong the current can be. Simply standing or wading in the water can cause weak or non-swimmers to be swept away quite quickly. Make sure you know what to do if you or a child were to get caught in the current.

 If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

July 22, 2019
Skye OliverA Parent’s Guide to Water Safety
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A parent’s guide to pool safety

A parent’s guide to pool safety

With summer making its arrival in Canada, pool season has begun. Pool safety is an important topic this time of year. According to the Lifesaving Society, hundreds of Canadians die each year from drowning. Parents, take note – for children under 10, drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death and children under five are the most at risk of drowning.

So, before you, or your children, dip your toes into the backyard pool, it’s important to review some pool safety tips.

1. Appoint a supervisor

Children of all ages require active supervision when in the pool. This means a parent/guardian who is placing their whole attention on the water. Accidents can happen quickly, and a rapid response time is critical. Don’t be fooled by Hollywood films – drowning is quiet and splashing or screaming doesn’t occur. The attention of a parent/guardian can be the difference between life and death.

2. No diving in shallow pools

Most backyard pools are not deep enough for diving, no matter the age of the diver. This is a frequent cause of injury. It’s important to do your own research into what your pool’s size allows. Establish clear rules with your children about diving in the pool, especially in the shallower end. Some parents choose to put up signage, which is available from many hardware stores, as a reminder. Most importantly, talk with your kids and make sure they understand your family’s pool safety rules.

3. Ensure proper fencing

Small children’s curiosity can lead to drowning by falling into pools. Multiple items are available for purchase which can prevent unsupervised access to water by young children. Examples include latching gates and four-sided fencing. It’s important to comply with any local fencing bylaws in your area so make sure to research these before you open your pool for the summer.

4. Arms’ reach matters

For children under 5, it’s important to keep them within arms’ reach when in the water. While supervision may be sufficient for older kids, younger children require the physical support and balance of a parent. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids the basics of swimming and create lasting memories.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

May 25, 2018
gray_adminA parent’s guide to pool safety
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