Sink or Swim

It’s not funny at all so we won’t make a joke about it. Not even a quirky little comment.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for Canadian children under the age of 14. And according to a national survey from Safe Kids Canada, 86 per cent of Canadian parents polled believe swimming lessons are the best way to protect a child from drowning. Our friends at Safe Kids Canada know that this is NOT enough—they recommend parents use five layers of protection to keep kids safe from drowning this summer.

And we’re here to tell you what they are because we want you to have fun in the sun.

1. Actively Supervise
Always stay within sight and reach of children when in, on or around water. Even children who can swim need adult supervision. Children can drown quickly and silently in inches of water and in just a few seconds.

2. Get Trained
Learn first aid, CPR and how to swim before assuming the role of supervisor. Always have an experienced adult swimmer supervise children in, on or around water.

3. Create Barriers
Children should not be able to get to the pool directly from the house. Installing a four-sided pool fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate could prevent up to seven out of 10 drownings in children under the age of five. If a property has natural water hazards, fence off a separate play space for children. 

4. Use Lifejackets
Put young children and weak swimmers in lifejackets when in, on or around water. Children should never be left without adult supervision even if they are wearing a lifejacket.

5. Teach Kids To Swim
Parent and tot swimming classes are fun for the family, and they help educate parents on how to keep toddlers safe around water. By age five, children are ready to be enrolled in swimming lessons. But remember, swimming lessons alone are not enough. 

Savvy Tip
Teenagers who are trained in water safety are the best kind of sitters to have around during the summer if you are near water. Seek them out! (If your child takes swimming lessons, ask the instructors if they are available to babysit.)

At SavvyMom we try not to take ourselves too seriously. But when it comes to safety, we don’t kid around, so be a friend and send this to a mom who’ll want to know. We’re serious.

Safe Kids Canada
1-888-SAFE-TIPS (723-3847)
www.safekidscanada.ca.

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