“Injuries are Predictable and Preventable”
Drowning is the second leading cause of injury related death for Canadian children. Every year almost 60 children drown. This is equal to more than two classrooms full of children. Each year another 140 children must stay in the hospital because they nearly drowned. Near-drowning can result in long-term health effects. It can affect the way a child thinks, learns, and plays. (Parachute Canada)
Swimming and water play are great fun for children and adults alike but it is important to teach your children safety messages. Drowning is preventable, Please see the following tips, and have a family meeting!
Top Tips to Be Safe Around Water
- Actively supervise your children – Stay within sight and arm’s reach when your child is in or NEAR water. Kids don’t know their limits: they’ll overestimate their skills and underestimate their environments like water depth or strength of current.
- Life Jackets = Life Savers - Young children under 5 years of age and weak swimmers should wear lifejackets when they are in, on or around the water. You and your children should always wear lifejackets when riding in a boat. Make it a habit, like wearing your seatbelt.
- Fence it, Prevent it! - Almost half of all child drownings happen in backyard swimming pools. Researchers estimate that 7 out of 10 child drowning’s can be prevented with four-sided pool fencing.
- Enroll your child in swimming lessons - Only 3% of children who drowned in Canada from 2001 – 2015 were identified as strong swimmers. Ensuring kids have access to swimming lessons is important.
- Be Prepared - Get trained in water skills, swimming skills, CPR and first aid. If your child gets in trouble while you are supervising, water safety training could help save his or her life.
For more information on water safety and children check out the following links: