Posting a news release on our blog is not something we would normally do, but we are especially concerned about the number of drownings that have happened in Ontario over the past few weeks. We wanted to take every opportunity possible to share reminders about water safety so that we can all have a safe summer. Please do take a minute to read these messages and share them with your family and friends.
Media Release
Canadian Red Cross recommending teens think safety first in and around water
Following several drownings across the province in recent weeks, the Canadian Red Cross is urging parents to talk with their teens about water safety.
“Sometimes teens don’t realize the dangers that exist when they are swimming,” said Lorraine Davies, provincial director of injury prevention for the Canadian Red Cross. “It is important for parents to talk to their kids – especially teens - about playing near, on or in water. Fun can quickly turn to tragedy if you get in over your head or exceed your limits.”
An average of 400 Canadians drown each year. A Red Cross research report examining 10 years of drowning statistics showed that young children ages 1 to 4 and men ages 15 to 44 are at greatest risk of drowning.
With the summer season having only just begun, the Canadian Red Cross is alarmed by the number of drowning incidents to date, with many recent incidents involving young teens.
“It is equally important for your teens to be able to recognise a friend in trouble and understand their limits when assisting in a rescue,” Davies said. “Proper water safety training can help you and your teens know how to react to an emergency situation if one arises.”
The Canadian Red Cross recommends:
- Get Trained: Parents and teens should learn to swim. It’s never too late. Those with home pools should also enroll in a first aid course, so they know how to respond in case of emergency.
- Don’t swim alone: Actively supervise your children in and around water at all times. Teens should swim with a buddy, even if they are strong swimmers.
- Avoid Alcohol: Talk to your kids about the dangers of alcohol and swimming. Alcohol is involved in about half of swimming drownings.
- Dive with care: About 95 per cent of diving injuries occur in water 5 feet deep or less. Many, perhaps most, in-ground home pools are unsafe for diving even if they are fitted with a diving board. The best safety practice is to avoid diving in home pools.
- Wear a Lifejacket: Nearly 90 per cent of boaters who drown are not wearing, or are not properly wearing, their lifejacket. Like your car seatbelt, your lifejacket will only work if you wear it.
- Talk about it: Parents should talk to their young children and teens about water safety and remind them that activities around water need to be approached with safety first. Ensure your kids know their limits and what to do in an emergency situation.
“By respecting the water, and thinking about safety first, teens can help ensure that every time in and around the water will not only be a fun time, but a safe time,” said Davies.
The Canadian Red Cross has been teaching Canadians how to swim and safely enjoy water activities since 1946. Each year, over 1.1 million Canadians take swimming and water safety training with the Red Cross. Visit www.redcross.ca/swim for more safety tips and information.
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