Swimming is important because...
- It is a great life-long sport.
- It is a great way to get active.
- It promotes multi-generational interaction.
- It's fun!
Parent Water Safety Advice
- Learn proper swimming and safety techniques by enrolling children in swimming lessons.
- Read posted rules with your children to make sure they understand and know how to apply them while enjoying the pool.
- Pool decks are slippery. Encourage everyone to walk when they are in the pool area.
- Make sure children aged five and under are at least an arm's length away or less
- Continuously watch all your children, no matter what age they are.
- Keep your head! Feet-first entries only.
- Alcohol and pools don’t mix.
- Use CSA-approved life jackets.
- Swim with a buddy.
- Swim at a depth that is safe for you and your child. If you're just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
- Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
- Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they're fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can't do is save a life. They're toys that can lose air or float away.
- Don't chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.
- Remember to wear sunscreen-reapply every 2 hours with a minimum of 30 SPF.
- Keep hydrated! Drink at least half a cup of water every half hour to an hour-and make sure your kids do too!
Facts
- Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14.
- Drowning can happen so fast — sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person's head goes under the water.
- Shallow water is the most common area for drowning, especially in water that is three feet deep or less.
- Majority of drownings occur to people who had no intention of entering the water.