Whether you are at the beach, the cottage or a swimming pool this summer, parents and children need to know how to enjoy the water safely and responsibly.
Below are some tips and information from Safe Kids Canada.* Half of all drowning of children actually happens in open water such as lakes, rivers, streams and ponds.* Among all age groups, boys are more likely to drown than girls. This is because they are more prone to risk taking and parents accept the behaviour more in boys than in girls.* Children have drowned in a bucket of water - whether it's for washing the car or to collect rain. Kids, especially toddlers, are curious and will go into it head first. * When children, especially those under five, are in, on or around water, put a life-jacket on them. Life-jackets are not just for riding in boats.* Any child who is around water needs supervision. If the adult does not want to do that or does not have the skills to help if something happens, go to a place with a lifeguard.* Adults who are supervising should have some training. If you are going to the lake, cottage or backyard pool, the adults supervisor should know CPR. Taking water rescue classes is also a good idea.* Parents who are socializing or drinking are not properly supervising. Alcohol and water are never a good mix because it affects you more in the sun and you want to be in top form if you have to save a child. You can have fun in and around the water, but it's never a good idea to relax and drink while kids are around.* People who own pools should have a fence surrounding all four sides of the pool complete with a gate and a self-closing latch that children cannot reach or open. While six feet is the legal height of the perimeter fence, the remaining three sides should be a minimum of four-feet high. According to Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, avoid fences with vertical bars spaced more than 10 centimetres apart and chain-link fences that are easy to climb. Keep patio furniture away from the fence so kids can't use it to boost themselves over the fence.* Hot tubs should be locked. Kids are crafty and can figure out how to open hot tub covers.* Swimming lessons are a great idea for kids and adults alike. While it's not the cure-all for water safety, swimming lessons are definitely better if you and your children know how to swim and know water safety.Here are some safety tips from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada* Never leave your child alone or out of eye contact while he is in or near the pool.* Children lose consciousness after being submerged in water for only two minutes. Irreversible brain damage occurs after only four to six minutes. * Always use approved personal flotation devices, rather than inflatable toys, to keep your child afloat. Don't consider younger children "drown proof" because they've had swimming lessons. Children under the age of three should be kept within arm's reach of an adult while in or around the pool.* Keep basic lifesaving equipment on the pool deck at all times. These include a strong, lightweight pole (three to 3.6 metres) and a ring buoy with a line attached. Also keep emergency phone numbers (police, fire, hospital) on hand. * Enroll children in a learn-to-swim or water safety course. These courses encourage safe practices. * Keep toys away from the pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.