Stay cool, stay safe

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/07/2014 (3563 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Warm summer days are finally here and Southern Health is taking this time to remind people to stay safe while keeping cool. Everyone wants to be in or around the water during the sunny summer days. Whether hanging out at the pool, the beach or at the lake on a hot day, safety should stay top of mind.

In the last 10 years, more than 570 children have drowned in Canada. Most water-related accidents can be prevented. Drowning and near-drowning can occur in a number of settings.

July 20 – 26, 2014 is National Drowning Prevention Week. Children should always be within arms reach and life jackets should be used. Never leave children alone near water and keep them in your sight. It only takes a second for the unthinkable to happen. Reading a book, text messaging, talking on the phone, preparing food — these are all distractions that could lead to a drowning.

Assign a designated ‘water watcher,’ a responsible adult whose only responsibility is to watch the kids swimming and playing in and near the water.

Teens should not be left unattended while swimming or boating. Younger teens need to have an adult present with them and older teens – above the age of 16-years-old – should be able to get the attention of an adult within thirty seconds. Encourage them to never swim alone and to dive into water from the side of a pool. Encourage them to dive from a diving board instead and to always dive with their hands in front of them.

Get trained in water skills, swimming skills, CPR and first aid. Remember that we are all responsible for water safety.