Summer Safety: Preventing drowning when enjoying the water

July 19, 2022

Summer is in full swing and many people in B.C. are enjoying lakes, rivers and swimming pools. Water sports are a great way to stay active and have fun. However, there's a risk of drowning whenever you're enjoying the water.

“Water activities like swimming and boating can be a lot of fun and a great way to cool down, but drowning is a danger we all need to think about," says Mike Adams, team lead with Interior Health's Healthy Communities team.

“Drowning can happen fast, sometimes in less than a minute."

In this Story…

Tips to prevent drowning

Resources

Tips to prevent drowning

Drowning is almost always preventable. Adams says you and your family can play it safe this summer by following these tips for water safety:

Always swim with a buddy
Do not go beyond your abilities. Do not go farther or into deeper water than you can handle.
Never dive into unknown water. Underwater objects may appear deeper than they really are
Don’t mix alcohol or substance use with water activities
Always supervise children when around water. A child can drown in seconds in only a few inches of water.
Install four-sided fencing around pools with a gate that cannot be opened by a child, and child proof or lock doors that open directly to a backyard pool area
Learn life-saving techniques including CPR and artificial respiration
Take a marine safety course
Always wear a life-jacket when on a boat, personal water craft (such as a Jet Ski), paddle board or any other water craft. Nearly 90 per cent of all boaters who drown are not wearing a life-jacket or not wearing it properly
Always have a spotter when towing people who are skiing, wake boarding or riding on an inflatable
Use caution when near water. Falling into a pool or other body of water can be very dangerous. If you hit your head and become unconscious, you can drown very quickly.

Resources

Choosing Lifejackets and PFDs – Transport Canada

Water Safety – Canadian Red Cross

Office of Boating Safety – Transport Canada

Be WaterSmart – Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon

Pool Fencing Laws – Parachute Canada

Read more in our Summer Safety series

Tips to protect yourself from summer heat

Bike smart to prevent injury

Tips for using sunscreen & bug repellent

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