Did you know that only other people and their kids drown?
That’s patently false, of course, but unfortunately, it is a common attitude, and one that can lead to disaster for your family.
Summer means enjoying outdoor activities like swimming, power-boating, kayaking, tubing, just playing around water or heading out to the cabin. Whether lake, river, ocean or backyard pool, water presents many opportunities for fun. There is also potential for injury or worse, so have a word with yourself: injuries are preventable.
By age six, a child is likely to be safe around water without a lifejacket if they are not actually going in. False. The fact is that 79 per cent of children who drowned entered the water unintentionally. How about this: for every child who drowns, there are several that nearly drown and require hospitalization; another seven require a visit to an emergency room.
The Canadian Red Cross tells us that each year, 166 Canadians drown while boating; of these, 145 are not wearing a lifejacket, or do not have it properly secured. The message? Be prepared when on and around water.
There are things we can do to avoid becoming one of those statistics, including some very simple and obvious ones. You can start by knowing how to swim, and making sure your children can, too. While you’re at it, learn about water safety: it’s not all a shallow-ended swimming pool out there. That means knowing your limitations. For example, swimming in a quiet lake or backyard pool is not the same as swimming in the ocean or river where currents can make conditions much more dangerous.
With kids around and in the water, the key is active supervision. Supervise children at all times. That does not mean simply being nearby. It means actively watching at all times. It takes only a few seconds for a child to get into trouble.
Some lifejackets might make you look ‘dorky’ or unfashionable, but lifejackets save lives. This is especially important for young children and weak swimmers who should wear one whenever they are in, on or around the water. This is especially important if you are out boating, canoeing or kayaking where a flip can happen in an instant and, no, you won’t have time to find and put on that lifejacket.
Another valuable tip is to be ready in case of accident or injury, even if it is someone else. Learn basic first aid and how to do CPR and you could well save a life this summer.
The key to reducing serious injuries from the hazards that can arise even during innocuous activities around the water is to change attitudes and behaviours, and to make good decisions like wearing lifejackets and supervising your children.
Learn more about water safety by visiting the Canadian Red Cross (online at www.redcross.ca ) or The Community Against Preventable Injuries (www.preventable.ca).
Most people reading this are right: it won’t happen to them… drowning is for other people. Then again, have a word with yourself: you might just be the ‘other’ person!
Editor’s note: Dr. Paul Martiquet is the medical health officer for rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
