How to Make It Safe and Fun When Playing In The Water

In 2010, an Ontario coroner released a report that indicated that a rise in the number of swimming related deaths, was directly related to a rise in the temperature levels. This report also showed that while there was a general decline in the number of drowning deaths between 2006 and 2010, there was an increase in the number of children aged 5 and below, who died in swimming related incidents within the same period. In 2010 alone, the number of deaths in this age group went up by 260%.

The report contains a raft of measures that were recommended by local authorities to improve water safety. However, aside from these measures provided in the report, there areThe report contains a raft of measures that were recommended by local authorities to improve water safety. However, aside from these measures provided in the report, there are a number of simple ideas that will greatly decrease the risks of swimming and make it a safe and fun activity for all those who are enjoy cooling off and playing in the water.

Improve your First Aid skills 
All swimmers need to acquire and continuously improve on their first aid skills. With most of the municipality recreation centers offering affordable training and certification, every one needs to sign up and learn what to do in the unfortunate event where a swimming accident occurs. A CPR course is one of the most critical classes that swimmers need to attend.

Know When To Stop 
Swimming is fun and one of the best ways to keep cool in the summer heat. This makes it very tempting to push too far and overstay in the water. Avoid this and instead, take regular breaks during every swimming session. You will always have the opportunity to take another dip after your break.

Always Have Company 
Most swimming facilities and recreational centers, require swimmers to have a partner with them whenever they are going into the pool. While parents and swimming instructors are particularly keen on enforcing this with children aged 5 to 15, this has been identified as one of the reasons that this group of swimmers reports the lowest incident rates.

Adults have however been seen to often ignore this important safety precaution. This should not be the case, as adults should lead by example and ensure that they have a partner whenever they go swimming. For the children under 5 year of age, they should always have an adult partner to look after them whenever they take a swim.

Be Alert 
With a majority of Ontario's residents not having a private pool, they have to swim in lakes, oceans, rivers and public pools that could have several hazards hidden within them. Be alert to anything that could pose a threat to you or other swimmers and always know where you can quickly access safety equipment, before you begin swimming. Inspect the water you are about to get into and be wary of the depth while also avoiding congested areas of the water.

Do Not Swim After Consuming Alcohol 
This is the simplest way to stay safe and avoid swimming related deaths. A coroner's report from 2010, showed that alcohol was responsible for the drowning of 80% of people between the ages of 55 and 64 as well as those between 20 and 34. Alcohol was also responsible for the drowning of 62% of teenagers aged between 15 and 19 years.

At kidshealth.org you will find a comprehensive list of water safety ideas that will ensure you and your family get to enjoy an amazing summer in and out of the water.

You are also welcome to share your own ideas and tips so as to help improve the water safety of our community.

Top sales representative and award winning real estate agent, Christianne Child may be the right one to talk to if you are looking to purchase residential or commercial real estate in Guelph. Click here for more information.