Drowning Prevention Safety Tips

Now that we know what the risks are, what are some safety tips to help prevent it?

Backyard Pool Safety

Control and restrict access to water with barriers like gates, fences, or other barriers. This can help secure it when you are not around
Provide active, direct supervision. Have a backyard lifeguard. Backyard pools are the primary setting where children ages 1-4 drown most often.
Install anti-entrapment drain covers and a safety release systems to protect against drain entrapment

Boat Safety

Don't boat alone. Boating alone was a major risk factor in boating-related fatalities
Stay seated. You can easily fall out of small boats like powerboats, kayaks, or a canoe
Always have a boat safety kit on board
Check the weather before you go!
Watch out for other swimmers and boaters. Always have a spotter when towing water skiers and tube riders.

Water Smart Basic Skills to know are:

Beach Safety

Be sure you are water competent for natural environments before swimming. Remember this isn't a pool with controlled environments. Ensure you know the basic skills!
Always enter unknown or shallow water feet first
Watch the waves. Remember that the ocean is very different from a lake. While the waters may look relatively calm, the ocean can be quite fierce. Always assume you have less control than you do
Understand rip currents. They are one of the most dangerous hazards for beach-goers. Strong currents usually have a deeper darker colour and fewer breaking waves than in surrounding areas.
Prepare for unexpected changes in weather. Leave water immediately if there is a thunderstorm. Stay inside an enclosed area for 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.

What about your kiddos? With such a high risk for kids and drowning incidents', it's important to know how to keep them safe.

Always stay within arms reach
Ignore your phone. Put away the temptation by silencing your phone and stowing it away so that you can make sure you have your eyes on your child while they are playing near water
Don't rely on water wings. They weren't designed to properly keep afloat a novice swimmer. Rely on properly fitted life jackets that serve the purpose of keeping your child afloat.
Sign up for swimming lessons!
Have older kids swim with a buddy. Older kids tend to overestimate their swimming abilities. But remember the buddy system should not replace adult supervision, it's treated as an extra layer of protection.
Remember to never leave a child under 4 along in a bathtub. A school aged child can bath by himself but a parent should stay within ear shot
Never leave your baby unattended in a bath seat or ring. They could slip in the water and get trapped underneath
Keep toilet covers down and the bathroom door closed at all times. You can even instal a seat safety latch.

Remember to

Swim sober
Swim with a buddy
Avoid distractions when supervising children around water
If a child is missing check the water first. Second could save someone's life.
Know your basic skills if you plan on swimming! And if you don't- use a life jacket!

References

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