Active supervision around water

For many Canadians, the summer season means enjoying outdoor activities such as fishing, powerboating or canoeing. But each year, tragic and avoidable boating-related fatalities occur across Canada. A study of the long-term trends indicates that the use of proper safety equipment such as a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) would greatly reduce this number.

Every year, 166 Canadians drown while boating. Of these, 88 per cent are not wearing a lifejacket or do not have it properly secured.

More swimming, boating and water safety tips.

Drowning Doesn't Look Like What You Think it Looks Like

From lakes to rivers, pools to splash pads water is everywhere this summer providing opportunities for families to cool off while enjoying all that summer has to offer. The best way parents can ensure their children stay safe is by practicing active supervision, where you are not only close by young children but watching their actions to make sure they don’t get into a dangerous situation. Contrary to popular belief, drownings of young children can be very silent and happen quickly.

Water Safety Tips & Resources

QUICK FACTS

• An average of 35 children age 1-14 died by drowning each year while playing in or around water. These tragedies could have been prevented through active supervision by a responsible adult

 Make sure to take steps to keep children safe near water:
 

• Caregivers need to actively supervise children – it’s not enough to be nearby, eyes need to be on kids all the time. Reading a book, texting or surfing the internet by the pool is not active supervision .Consider requiring young children and non or weak swimmers to wear a lifejacket to help them stay at the surface.
• Caregivers who need to step away from their responsibilities as the supervisor near water should take children with them
• Backyard pools should be properly fenced and have self-closing and self-latching gates. Pool decks should be cleared of toys and debris to prevent trips and falls. Kiddie pools should be drained when not being supervised.

If you’re watching your phone, you aren’t watching your kids. Active supervision and first aid training save lives. Find first aid training near you at http://www.redcross.ca/watersafety