Water Safety: 7 Tips for Summer Water Activities
Jul 21 2022 | ZAYOUNA ADMIN
Everyone knows that summer is the season of fun under the sun and in the water. It’s the perfect time to take a dip and make a splash with the entire family. From weekends at the cottage by a lake to swimming in backyard or community pools across Ontario, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the water.
But before you dive in, it’s important to know the risks of being in the water. It’s the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. For instance, did you know that drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children?
This is why it’s important to remember safety tips while the entire family is swimming, diving, boating, and more this summer. And in case of an accidental drowning or injury while you or your kids are in the water, it’s also important to know who to call—a personal injury lawyer who can help you and your family seek damages, closure, and peace of mind.
Ready to splash into summer? Dive in safely with these tips for water safety in Ontario.
Drowning and Other Risks: The Importance of Water Safety
Drowning may be one of the biggest risks that people of all ages face, especially children. It’s why most parents are intent on having their children learn how to swim, and society as a whole regards swimming as one of the top essential survival skills.
But did you know that swimming is just one part of water safety? Preventing drowning goes beyond teaching kids (and even adults) how to avoid slip-and-fall accidents on the poolside, tread in deep waters, and avoid fighting against the current. Small children can drown in even just a few inches of water—enough to submerge their mouth and nose—in the bathtub, backyard or toddler pools, or at the beach.
Water safety requires prevention and active supervision in all settings where water is present. Whether you’re at the beach in Toronto, swimming in the backyard, or bathing in the tub, it’s always important to watch and guide kids, entering the water feet-first, and combining swimming skills with an active presence of mind. Let’s dive into these below.
7 Tips for Water Safety
- Always wear a life jacket
If you’re boating or cruising around in a jet ski, make sure to always wear a life jacket fit for your age and body. Don’t leave the dock without everyone in your party wearing one, especially children in appropriately sized life jackets. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a strong swimmer or not—a life jacket in good working condition is a life-saver, especially in deep waters and strong currents.
2.Stay sober
Never get in the water drunk or even slightly inebriated. Alcohol consumption is one of the leading factors in boating accidents and deaths. Steering a boat while intoxicated puts you and your entire party at risk, which can even lead to criminal charges and the loss of your Ontario boating license.
3.Learn to swim
Perhaps the top water safety tip everyone learns early on—it’s important to learn how to swim. It’s called a survival skill for a good reason.
When boating, kayaking, or even just lounging on the shore or the docks, many people think they don’t necessarily need to know how to swim, especially if they’re not going into the water. But that’s not right. In fact, it’s helpful to know even just the basics. Knowing how to float and swim to safety is a life-saving skill—and one that’s never too late to learn,
4.Don’t go out in bad weather
What’s a little rain when you’re going to get wet at the beach, right? Not exactly. You need to pay attention to the weather and avoid being in the water if there’s a storm. You’ll want to be close to the shore in case the waves start to swell and the current sweeps you away, out of range of contact and far away from emergency help.
5.Never go in the water alone
The buddy system is one of the best ways to stay safe in the water. Don’t go alone, and never leave children unsupervised. Having a buddy with you or watching the kids closely allows you to call for help right away and prevent drowning or getting lost in the water.
6.Load your watercraft properly
If you’re boating, canoeing, or kayaking, make sure to distribute the load in your watercraft evenly. Distribute heavy items to avoid tipping over. Similarly, if you are carrying passengers, limit them to the recommended number of people or equivalent weight. In other words, don’t go boating with too many people onboard to avoid capsizing your boat.
7.Use safety equipment
And finally, use the necessary safety equipment for your watercraft and activity. For example, if you’re kayaking, dress properly for submersion, since the likelihood of tipping over is quite high. Wear clothing that is fast-drying and will keep you warm to avoid hypothermia.
Similarly, use a leash or strap to tie your ankle. This helps you pull the board back and prevents you from getting stuck in the water in case you fall. Lastly, be mindful of waves—both driven by other boats and the natural current to avoid getting swept up and lost in the water.