National Drowning Prevention Week

As summer begins and temperatures continue to rise, kids will be spending more time in and around the water. While swimming can be a fun summer activity, it’s always important to remember that safety is paramount, especially around water. Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents each year, according to the Lifesaving Society. Additionally, a 2015 report from the World Health Organization found that drowning is a top 10 leading cause of death worldwide for children and young people.

 

Safety is a major focus of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario’s swimming lesson curriculum. We ensure that parents and children are aware of the risks around swimming so that it can always be an enjoyable and safe experience.

 

Here are some water safety tips as we enter another summer season:

– At the pool or beach, put young children in lifejackets to keep them afloat. This can provide the extra seconds needed to save a life.

– Restrict and control access to backyard pools by fencing all four sides.

– If you are not within arms-reach, you have gone too far! Always be within arms-reach of your child in and around water.

– Always empty accessible water (wading pools, bathtubs, etc.) when not in use or unsupervised.

– Get training. Ensure your family knows how to swim and what to do in an emergency.

– Enroll your children in swimming lessons. At a minimum, they should be able to achieve the Lifesaving Society’s ‘Swim to Survive’ standard: roll into deep water, tread for one minute, and swim 50 m.

 

July 17th to 23rd is National Drowning Prevention Week. The StarTech.com Community Centre, YMCA, & Library in London will be hosting multiple events during this week to promote water and swimming safety. There will be CPR and lifejacket clinics, kids and family activities, and a colouring contest!

 

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
ymcaswo.ca