Ah, summer. And with the scorching heat comes the must-be-near-water-to-cool-off obsession. So whether you’re heading for a wading pool or something much bigger, make sure you’re water-safe with these important tips from Safe Kids Canada and the Government of Canada:
-Don’t rely on older children to supervise swimming. Learn how to swim or have your child supervised by an experienced adult. Learn first aid and CPR.
-Young children and weak swimmers should always wear a lift jacket/PFD when in or around the water and on a boat. Boats are required by law to have enough life jackets/PDFs on board for every passenger.
-Put your child in swimming lessons. (Take some yourself if you need a refresher!)
-Teach your children about currents and water safety rules.
-And for all the adults out there, don’t drink and boat (or as the Government says, don’t cruise with booze) and be prepared! Take a boating or water safety course; be aware of weather and water conditions; do thorough equipment checks; and don’t forget marine maps if you’re going far, or somewhere new.
Most importantly, be alert. A child can drown in an as little as one inch of water! It can happen quickly so never, ever let them out of your site or reach when near water.
For more information visit www.safekidscanada.ca and www.tc.gc.ca
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