A steaming hot summer means more time cooling off by the water — in pools, lakes or splash pads — but spending time in or near water also comes with great responsibility because drowning happens fast.
While people might think they’ll see or hear if their child is struggling in the water, a child or adult who’s struggling in the water doesn’t often scream for help. Drowning is silent, says Brandy Tanenbaum, Injury Prevention Program Coordinator at Sunnybrook. And it’s important to remember it can happen even in shallow water.
Here are six ways you can minimize your family’s risks around water this summer:
Learn to swim
Swimming is a skill, and it’s important to feel safe around water. Brandy says swimming lessons are “critically important,” so if financially possible, put your child (and yourself) in Learn to Swim classes. In the City of Toronto, there are subsidies available (check the City’s website). If you cannot swim, don’t go into the water where there is no lifeguard on duty.
Aside from swimming pools, Ontario has many lakes and rivers that are popular for swimming and boating in the summer. Anyone who is unfamiliar with the water conditions in the province may not be aware of the risks associated with being in and around the water.
“You need to be aware of the weather, changing conditions, and you shouldn’t engage in activities beyond your skill level,” Brandy says. “Know the risks before swimming or boating.”
Don’t swim alone
Even if you are a comfortable swimmer, no one should swim alone. It’s important you are not alone in the event you get hurt or into distress in the water.
Watch your kids around water
Please: Watch. Your. Kids. Around. Water. Even when there’s a lifeguard. Even if the water is shallow. Even if other parents are around. Watch your kids around water. You should be within arms’ reach of your kids at all times when they are in the water. Not engrossed in your phone. Not making dinner and watching through the kitchen window. Not up in the cottage or back at the car grabbing the towels while they are in the lake. Drowning can take mere seconds. If you can’t swim, reconsider where and when you let your kids go into the water.
And if your kids are jumping off docks or diving boards, Brandy says it’s important to know the depth of the water before they jump or they risk spinal cord or traumatic brain injury.
“No diving in headfirst, no pushing [people] into pools or pushing people off docks.”
Wear a lifejacket when on a boat
Everyone should wear an appropriately sized lifejacket when on watercraft of any kind (paddle board, canoe, motorboat, kayak) and know how to use personal flotation devices correctly. If you fall into the water and bonk your head on a rock, an approved lifejacket will keep you afloat.
“Even if you’re close to shore, it’s still good practice,” says Brandy.
Put down the alcohol
Booze and swimming or boating don’t mix. Alcohol inhibits our decision-making and can lead to riskier behaviour. Don’t drink and swim. And do not drink and boat.
Be a responsible pool owner
If you’ve got a pool, be sure to keep the fence gate locked. And, one interesting thing I learned recently – don’t leave your pool toys in the pool. Toys are tempting for curious kids and they will sometimes stop at nothing to reach that floaty swan or pool noodle. Put toys away to reduce their temptation to get at them.
