National Drowning Prevention Week | Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Swim where the lifeguards are

• Only 1% of fatal drownings occur in #lifeguard-supervised settings. If you’re planning a day at the water, the safest place to swim is where the lifeguards are.

• If you can’t see the lifeguards, they likely can’t see you. This summer, swim where the lifeguards are

Lifejackets are for everyone

• For it to be effective, a lifejacket must fit right and be worn properly. Be sure everyone is geared up this summer for safety.

• According to the Lifesaving Society Ontario's research, 89% of people who fatally drowned while boating were either not wearing a lifejacket or weren’t wearing it properly. Make sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket this summer.

• Parents, to keep your family safe, you must keep yourself safe too. Wear a lifejacket.

• Lifejackets are like seatbelts. They help you if the unexpected happens, but only if they’re being worn properly.

Always Supervise Kids

• Kids can drown in any amount of water. Kiddie pools, water tables, and even buckets still require adult supervision. Stay within arms’ reach.

• When you’re in the water with your little ones, make sure you’re close enough to pick them up and give them the support they need. If you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.

• According to the @LifesavingSocietyON’s research, 16% of fatal drownings happen in bathtubs. Always stay tub-side for your kids.

• Time for a snack break? Have all the children in your care exit the water at the same time, never try to supervise kids in the water when you’re distracted.

Never swim or boat alone

•There’s safety in numbers. That’s why it’s important to never swim or boat alone. Tag your aquatic buddy!

• In 29% of boating-related fatalities, the person was alone. Grab some lifejackets and friends to stay safe together.

• Over half of middle-aged men and about two-thirds of older adults who drowned were alone when their fatal incident occurred. Never swim or go boating alone.

• Most drowning victims can swim. But just because you're a good swimmer, doesn't mean you'll be able to take care of yourself if you get into trouble. Always swim with a buddy!

• Drowning isn’t just a summer problem. Each winter, drowning as a result of falling through ice makes headlines. Never go on ice alone. A buddy may be able to rescue you or go for help if you get into difficulty.

Take a first aid course

• Are you prepared for accidents? What if your child breaks their arm, gets a nosebleed, or has a seizure? Don’t leave anything to chance. Learn how to treat common injuries and perform CPR when you take a First Aid course. Find one online from Life Saving Society Ontario

• Learning FirstAid and CPR is an easy way to keep your loved ones safer. You don’t need any previous training or knowledge to sign up for a course online.

Plan for a safe vacation

• Water safety doesn’t take a vacation. Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach, a cozy cottage, or a lively waterpark, be sure to know the risks and plan ahead.

• Before you enjoy the water this summer, make sure to: - check weather/marine forecasts - gather and check safety equipment - make sure you know the rules and where the lifeguards are.

Backyard pool safety

• The @LifesavingSocietyON encourages all backyard pool owners to fence in their pools on all four sides and to ensure the pool gate is securely fastened, self-closing, and can be locked when the pool is not in use.

• Is your backyard pool safe? The @LifesavingSocietyON has free checklists and resources to help ensure your family is safe and responsible this summer.

Swim where the lifeguards are

• Only 1% of fatal drownings occur in #lifeguard-supervised settings. If you’re planning a day at the water, the safest place to swim is where the lifeguards are.

• If you can’t see the lifeguards, they likely can’t see you. This summer, swim where the lifeguards are

Fast Facts

• According to the @LifesavingSocietyON, drowning is fast and silent, often occurring in less than 30 seconds.

• According to the @LifesavingSocietyON research, on average there are about 450 fatal drownings each year in Canada.

• According to the @LifesavingSocietyON, most people who drown never intended to go in the water. Swimming as a recreational activity accounts for 35% of fatal drownings.

• According to the @LifesavingSocietyON’s research, drowning is the third-leading cause of injury related death for Canadian children under 14 years of age, and statistics show that children under 12, boaters, young men and seniors 65+ are at the greatest risk.

• Drowning doesn’t always mean death, but non-fatal drowning can result in lifelong health issues.

• According to @LifesavingSocietyON’s research, for every fatal drowning in Ontario, there are nearly four non-fatal drownings serious enough to require an emergency department visit.

• According to @LifesavingSocietyON’s research, over one third of victims were swimming alone when they drowned.

• According to @LifesavingSocietyON’s research, in 29% of boating-related fatalities, the person was alone.