Drowning is the second highest cause of preventable death among children under 10, and the primary cause of preventable death in children between the ages of 1 to 4. Equally devastating is the fact that in 75% of the cases, a lack of or inactive supervision by an adult was a factor.
This is not an easy topic, but it is one that needs your attention, especially if you have children in your care. Understanding that you have an active role in lifeguarding your children when you are on or near water can save a young life.
Swimming skills alone aren’t always enough to save a life– It’s swimming skills combined with safety knowledge and skills that saves lives. – Canadian Red Cross
Here in water rich North America, we are spoiled with choice when it comes to places to swim. But, so many of these spots don’t have a lifeguard. Most people in Canada and the US swim in unsupervised water, such as at cottages, lakes, rivers, swim holes, beaches, and private pools.
Most water-related fatalities occur during the summer months. The Canadian Red Cross report from 2016 showed that 52% of children aged 1- 4 year olds who drowned fell into backyard pools, 29% fell into lakes or ponds, and 8% fell into rivers. 71% were males, and 29% were females.As parents and caregivers, the best thing you can do to protect your kids from drowning is to actively and consistently supervise them when they are in or near the water. Even at supervised beaches, if you’ve got kids, lifeguarding is your job.
Around water, you should always know the answer to the question “who’s watching the kids.”
Children love to swim. In Canada swimming is, by leaps and bounds, the favourite and most popular sport among children. Both you and your children should know how to swim. Swimming lessons are so important that in many communities they are offered for free, or at minimum cost. Swimming lessons are not just about learning to swim. Swimming lessons also teach children and parents the skills and knowledge they need to be safe around water.
In Canada the Canadian Red Cross and the Lifeguarding Society have many courses available as well as great resources for parents surrounding water safety.
You can access the 2016 Canadian Red Cross report here.
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