You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) Recreation facilities like pools and splash parks have reopened subject to measures that ensure that members of the public are safe. These include limiting capacity, ensuring that people can keep at least two metres away from others, and strict sanitation rules. Please be aware of these guidelines before going to these facilities. Check the province’s plan for Restoring Safe Services in various phases. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children under the age of 10 in Canada (CMAS Canada.ca). In most cases, this happens because children are not being watched. Backyard pools are the most common places for children under five years old to drown. To prevent this, here are some safety tips: Give your children some general rules to remember. For example: Always have someone close by to watch. This could be you or another adult who is an expert swimmer. If your child is under five years old or is a weak swimmer, stay within an arm’s length. This also works for older kids who are not good swimmers. They can get in trouble especially in open water. Again, kids should always wear a life jacket when swimming. Swim to Survive is a three-step technique that teaches kids what do in case they fall into deep water. These skills help prevent drowning and water-related injuries. Learn about this technique from the video below: Everyone should learn how to swim! There are many programs available in Manitoba for you and your children (check this page for courses). To better protect them, learn basic First Aid and CPR. These skills could save their lives. If you have a pool at home, control access by installing a 1.2 m (4 ft) fence on all four sides. Include a locking, self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent your baby, toddler and even pets, from accidentally falling in. Make sure that diving boards and slides have a non-slip surface. If you have small wading pools, drain them after use. Turn them over so that they cannot fill up with rainwater. Life saving equipment should always be close by, such as a buoyant throwing aid with a rope, reaching pole and a first-aid kit. Make sure that a telephone is always nearby for any emergency. The Canadian Red Cross website has a page on summer water safety for activities like swimming and boating. You can also search the site for CPR courses in your area. Visit the Lifesaving Society Manitoba site to know more about the Water Smart program. Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
Establish swimming rules
Watch and actively supervise
Teach kids Swim to Survive
Swim to Survive, Ontario Branch of the Lifesaving SocietySign up for swimming lessons
Practice pool safety
Article updated July 7, 2020.
Adapted from: New in Canada Parenting Support Child Safety Series, Learn about swimming safety, CMAS Canada/CIC/Lifesaving SocietyCommunity Resources
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Swimming safety for kids
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