From decks to docks, practice water safety

Canadian Red Cross (CNW Group/Canadian Red Cross)

The Canadian Red Cross wants Canadians to be water safe this summer

TORONTO, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Enjoying pools and lakes is a great way to cool down when the temperature rises, but on average more than 450 drowning fatalities happen in Canada each year. The summer season is an ideal time for families to practise water safety and to discuss the rules for being around water with children. Parents can help keep their kids safe through careful supervision and by ensuring backyard pools are properly secured.

QUICK FACTS

• Tragically, Canadians drown in pools and natural bodies of water like lakes and oceans every year
• 1 in 5 fatalities from unintentional falls into water are children under the age of 5

Make sure to take steps to stay safe near water:

• Adults can protect children through active supervision and by being trained in first aid
• Enrolling children in Red Cross swimming lessons can equip children with the skills they need to stay afloat and recognize hazards
• It's never too late to learn how to swim – adults who are non or weak swimmers should enrol in Red Cross swimming lessons. In addition to swimming skills and learning to recognize hazards, they will learn some basic self rescue and rescue of others.
• Backyard pools should be properly fenced and have self-closing and self-latching gates. Pool decks should be cleared of toys and debris to prevent trips and falls

QUOTES

"Children are particularly vulnerable around water. The Red Cross encourages all Canadians to be mindful of water safety and to swim responsibly in order to prevent tragedies this summer."

     —     Shelley Dalke, Director, Swimming & Water Safety Programs, The Canadian Red Cross

LEARN MORE

• Visit our website for water safety tips: redcross.ca
• Sign up for swimming lessons: redcross.ca/training-and-certification

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• @RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog

About the Canadian Red Cross

As the leading provider of prevention and safety training in the country, the Canadian Red Cross trains 2.4 million Canadians annually in emergency preparedness, first aid, swimming and violence and abuse prevention. Visit www.redcross.ca for research and tips, and to learn more about CPR, first aid and violence prevention training, and swimming and water safety courses.

SOURCE Canadian Red Cross

English Media Line: 1-877-599-9602; French Media Line: 1-888-418-9111

Related Links

http://www.redcross.ca