Last week, we asked you to test your water knowledge by taking our water safety mini-quiz. Here are the answers! (Did you get them all right?)
1. You don’t have to wear a lifejacket while out on the water. Having one close-by is good enough.
Answer: False. You might not have time to reach for your lifejacket during an emergency. Lifejackets are like seatbelts – they only work if you wear them.
2. People only drown in deep water.
Answer: False. A small child can drown in only a few inches of water, enough to cover their nose and mouth.
3. Adults should always supervise their kids when swimming or playing in and around water.
Answer: True. Parents should always actively supervise their kids – whether if they are in a pool or tub. If you have to leave the pool area or bathroom for any reason, take your child with you.
4. It’s ok to swim alone.
Answer: False. Even strong swimmers should always swim with a buddy.
5. You should avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming or boating.
Answer: True. Alcohol can impair your judgement and is a factor in many swimming and boating fatalities. Save your alcoholic beverages for when you’re not around water.
6. Backyard pools should be fenced on four sides (not including the house with a door access) and have self-closing, self-locking latches.
Answer: True. Having a fence can help prevent children from having unsupervised access to the pool.
7. Many, perhaps most, in-ground home pools are unsafe for diving even if they are fitted with a diving board.
Answer: True. Most in-ground pools aren’t deep enough for safe diving. It’s best not to dive into a backyard pool to avoid injury.
8. It can take several minutes for someone to drown.
Answer: False. Drowning can occur in less time than it takes to read this blog.
9. Every pool owner should have an action plan including adult supervision, an emergency signal, safety equipment and emergency procedures.
Answer: True. When it comes to your backyard pool, keep safety top-of-mind.
10. It’s never too late to learn how to swim.
Answer: True. The Canadian Red Cross offers swimming classes for various ages. To find out about classes in your area, visit http://www.redcross.ca/.