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Parents & Educators
This month Elmer talks about Pool and Water Safety
Drownings represent the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years of age, while children under the age of five are most at risk. A person can drown when too much water gets into their lungs. When that happens, the lungs cannot carry enough oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body. Each year countless drownings and accidents occur, which could be avoided if people put safety first.
Teach your family the proper rules to follow so they can enjoy a nice day at the beach, or at a backyard pool. Take a few minutes with your family at the beginning of the summer to identify the good behaviours that should be adopted, and to learn water safety. It is far better to prevent accidents than to suffer the loss of loved ones.
Here are a few things to follow when out by the water this summer.
1) Adult Supervision
Always stay within sight and in reach of your child when he or she is in or near water, even older children – they can still get into trouble, especially in open water.
2) Training for Adults
Get trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first aid, water rescue and swimming skills. If your child was to get into trouble while you were supervising, water safety training could help save his or her life. Keep safety equipment by the pool.
3) Pool Rules
Make a set of pool rules and teach them to your children.
4) 4-Sided Pool Fencing
Almost half of all child drownings happen in backyard swimming pools. Research shows that proper pool fencing could prevent seven out of 10 drownings to children under age five. Safe pool fencing is designed so that children cannot climb over or under it. Pool fencing should be at least 4 ft. (1.2 metres) and have a self-closing, self-latching gate.
5) Lifejackets
Put young children under age five, and weak swimmers, in lifejackets when they are in or near the water. Make sure the lifejacket fits your child's weight and fits snugly.
6) Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are a good way for children to gain confidence and get comfortable around water. Although, swimming lessons alone cannot prevent your child from drowning, it is a good step. Always supervise your child closely even as he becomes a stronger swimmer.
