Swimming and other water sports are fun, popular and widely accessible recreational activities. Nonetheless, they carry risks for potentially serious and preventable traumatic injuries.
Listen to our safety tips!
According to the
Canadian Red Cross, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. In Canada, an estimated 60 children aged 14 and under drown every year, while another 140 are hospitalized for near drowning. The majority of these deaths occurs in home pools and is preventable.
The following information encourages parents and caregivers to be informed, make wise choices and keep kids active and safe. Knowledge of water safety is essential and life saving techniques is an asset.
Pools
- Surround home pools by four sided fencing (minimum of four feet or 1.2 metres high) with automatic locking gates. There should be no direct access to the pool from the house or patio.
- Do not place chairs or tables near a pool fence, as they could enable a curious child to climb over.
- Completely remove pool covers before entering the water.
- Filtration systems should have proper coverings and be checked regularly.
- Pool maintenance should be done regularly. Store pool chemicals in a safe place out of the reach of young children.
- Make sure hot tubs have secure covers that children cannot open. Never leave an uncovered hot tub unattended.
- Rules should be clear and enforced: NO pushing, NO jumping on others, and NO running around the pool.
- Remember to tie up long hair or wear a bathing cap to avoid getting it caught in drains.
- Empty kiddy pools when not in use.
- Always have an emergency life buoy, first-aid kit and cordless phone close by.
To view the Quebec government’s official document on residential pool safety regulations click here.
Important resources The Lifesaving Society offers a “Prevent Drowning at Home” course and expert counselling in your own backyard about pool safety. Contact them at 514 252-3100.
Swimming
- Never leave children unattended around a swimming area.
- Make sure the swimming area is properly supervised and designated for swimming.
- Children under five should wear properly fitted personal floatation devices. This also applies to children over five who are non-swimmers.
- Make sure children swim in an area for which they have the appropriate skill level.
- Children and teens should be encouraged to take swimming lessons. Montreal coroner, Jacques Ramsay suggested in his report of August15, 2008, mandatory swimming lessons for children between the ages of 5 and12 years old.
Diving
- Never dive into lakes or areas with shallow water. A minimum of about 3 metre-deep water is recommended.
- The 3-metre diving board should only be used after proper instruction and with trained supervision present. It is not a toy.
- Backyard trampolines are not recommended and should never be used as a launch pad into a pool.
For diving equipment recommendations, refer to the
Coroner’s report of August 3, 2006.
Water park
- Water park equipment should be routinely inspected.
- Trained staff on site is essential.
- Supervision needs to be very attentive as injuries can happen fast.
- Remind users to clear the bottom of water slides quickly.
- Limit the number of people using the equipment at the same time.
- Equipment should be appropriate for a child’s age, height, and stage of development.
Boating
- Everyone should wear properly-fitted life jackets (regardless of swimming ability) that meet approved safety standards.
- Check weather conditions ahead of time. Being on a lake in stormy weather is not advisable.
- Ensure the boat is well maintained and has emergency equipment.
- Never overload or stand in a boat.
- Children should not go in a boat alone. Skilled supervision is essential.
- Only get out of the boat once it is docked.
Sun protection
- Frequently apply waterproof sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
- Wear a sun hat to help prevent sunstroke.
- Drink water before, during and after activities and especially while playing sports.
- Choose a pair of sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection and avoid looking directly at the sun and its reflection off of the water.
- For more details about sun protection, click sunburn (link: injury prevention/weather risks).
Note: Alcohol consumption while taking part in water activities is
not recommended. Stay alert!
Related articles
Reviewed by Trauma specialists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Last updated: August 2010
