Summer Safety: Preventing drowning when enjoying the water

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.

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

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