Water Safety Essentials: How to Stay Safe in and Around Water

As the academic year ends and the schools empty out, the area’s cool, refreshing bodies of water will soon be filling up with swimmers, boaters, and bathers. Summer is full of fun memories, cooling off in water. Whether you’re by a pool, at the beach, at a lake house, or in a sprinkler in your backyard, it is important to be aware of the potential risks that come with water fun.

So, here are a few of our guidelines for enjoying the water this summer.

SINKING STATS

According to the American Red Cross, drowning is the #1 cause of accidental deaths in children under 5 years old and the #2 leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths for ages 1-14. About 5,789 people visit emergency rooms due to drowning-related episodes per year. Drowning is usually “quick and quiet” and occurs when the supervisor only looks away for less than 5 minutes, especially when younger children are the victims. The most common occurrence is when a child accidentally falls into a pool. Having rules and procedures in place can significantly decrease the possibility of a serious injury decrease significantly.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Properly place barriers around water sources to make access more difficult. Inspect safety locks and fences around the pool. Pool and hot tub alarms are available to warn owners that gates are open.
• Check the water. Pools and hot tubs should be clear and without residue on the sides of the pool. Lakes, Ponds, and reservoirs may be checked by contacting the local water authority.
• Investigate the area. Always learn where the hazards are in the body of water. Ponds, lakes, and rivers can have rocky areas, fallen trees, and deep and shallow spots. Oceans and rivers may also have riptides and currents as potential danger zones.
• Prepare for the weather. Look at the forecast and prepare for changing weather patterns, especially when boating.
• Proper Equipment. Before the fun begins, be sure to inspect personal flotation devices, emergency equipment (life rings, life hooks, safety ropes), and supplies (CPR mask, phone, waterproof wound bandages, flares, emergency ice bag, and sunscreen). Be sure to reapply after swimming.
• Make sure there isn’t standing water left around. For example, empty the kiddie pool right after using and flip it over.
• Distractions are easy with today’s technology. Multitasking by cooking on the grill, keeping up on social media,  can easily distract a teen or adult. If you are leaving your children with someone, make sure that that person is CPR certified and comfortable with your rules of water safety. Otherwise, it is best not to let them go near the water for the time you will be away. If you have to step away for a minute, have them get out of the water and play in the yard.
• If you are not near a pool or waterfront, it is still important to be aware of where these potential hazards are in the neighbourhood, as well as where creeks, wells, drains, etc., are located.

TEACH CHILDREN PROPER SAFETY

• Teach your child how to swim, and they will be less likely to panic in a water accident.
• Tell them they always need to ask for permission to go near any water source and never leave them unattended; teach them that they always need an adult or buddy with them.
• Have them accustomed to always wearing their safety jacket in the water area.
• Set expectations for when playing; i.e., no running, splashing, dunking, or rough play.
• Keep pool toys off the deck and out of the water when it is not in use.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

If an emergency does occur, it’s important to be prepared with an idea of how to deal with it.

• Any time a child is missing, check any possible water source first.
• Know the level of swimming for your guests.
• Take courses for water safety, First Aid, and CPR, especially if you are an owner.
• Have the appropriate equipment handy, including a phone with emergency numbers, a first aid kit, a whistle for emergencies, a safety rope, a life ring, and a life hook for helping from dry ground.
• List all the emergency contact numbers in order of call, including 9-1-1, your cell, neighbour’s, and your doctor’s office. Be sure your child knows how to dial 9-1-1 on your cell phone as well as your home line.

Have an Emergency Action Plan in case something ever happens. Be sure that everyone knows the plan. Talk to your kids about what to do if there is an emergency and practice it.

The important things to remember are that accidental drownings are more common than they should be for younger children. Therefore, it is essential to take the right precautions to try to avoid it from happening. Always monitor your children, know the area you are in, prepare your equipment, and know how to execute an emergency plan.