Visiting swimming pools and playing on the beaches of our beautiful local lakes and oceans is an important part of summer for kids growing up on Vancouver Island. But as fun as it is, being around water can also pose a safety risk. We want you and your kids to be able to enjoy the water without worry, so here are some important water safety tips.
Ensure Supervision
The most crucial aspect of pool safety is constant, attentive supervision. Children should never be left unattended near a body of water, even for a moment. Public pools and some lakes have lifeguards on duty, but it’s hard for them to see everything that’s going on so make sure to keep your eyes on your kids. For older children and adults, who are all capable swimmers, you should still implement the buddy system to keep each other safe–just in case.
Use Life Jackets
Even if you don’t intend to let your little one go into the water, have them wear a life jacket in case they accidentally fall in. All swimmers of any age who aren’t confident in the water should wear a life jacket in a body of water where no lifeguard is present.
Take Swim Lessons
We all know that swim lessons are hard to secure in most communities of Vancouver Island, but it’s important to keep trying to find certified classes for kids–or yourself. The more lessons taken, the more confident and safer you are in the water.
Educate About Water Safety
Teach your kids the importance of water safety and explain–in an age-appropriate way–the potential dangers that can occur in the water and how they can be best avoided.
Set & Follow Rules
If you are at a beach or public pool where rules are posted, review them and ensure everyone follows them. And feel free to set extra rules for your kids. Making them wear a life jacket, staying in the shallow end, or only using the kids’ pools are just some rules you can set to help keep your kids safe. If you have educated them about water safety, your kids should understand and respect your rules.
Stay Hydrated
Being dehydrated or overexerted can lead to potential accidents. Ensure everyone is well hydrated before heading to the pool or beach and take frequent breaks to rehydrate during the day.
Always Have a Phone Nearby
Fast action is important in an emergency so ensure you have a cell phone on you or there are working phones close to where you will be spending the day. Have emergency numbers programmed into your phone and know the exact name and location of where you are so you can quickly relay it to whoever answers.
Stay Sober
We know it can be tempting to relax on the beach with a drink and watch the sunset… but if you are with anyone who is swimming, or you are going to be swimming yourself, skip the alcohol and other substances. You want your reflexes to be as sharp as possible, should an emergency arise.
Wear the Right Bathing Suit
While the above steps are certainly the most important for keeping safe in the water, why not take an extra step to ensure you are noticeable while in the water by wearing the right coloured bathing suit and/or cap. Neon colours and bright red will be the most noticeable in pools as well as in lakes and oceans, while lighter blues and greens, as well as black, can blend in with darker waters or even the dark bottoms of pools. You may also consider buying bathing suits and caps with reflective stripes on them.
