Top Tips to Prevent Child Drowning
The 5 Layers of Protection
Safe Kids Canada recommends parents follow these 5 layers of protection to keep children safe from drowning.
- Adult Supervision
- Training for Adults
- 4-Sided Pool Fencing
- Lifejackets
- Swimming Lessons
1) Adult Supervision
Always stay within sight and reach of your child when he is in or near water. This includes home swimming pools, bathtubs, and open bodies of water such as lakes, and rivers. If your child is under 5 years old, or is a weak swimmer, stay within arms reach. Be sure to watch older children closely too. Even if older children can swim, they can still get into trouble, especially in open water.
An older sibling or buddy cannot be relied on to safely supervise a younger child. Children have drowned when an older child or sibling was watching them.
2) Training for Adults
Get trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first aid, water rescue and swimming skills. If your child was to get into trouble while you were supervising, water safety training could help save her life. Contact your local municipality to find information on training in your community.
3) 4-Sided Pool Fencing
Almost half of all child drownings happen in backyard swimming pools. Research shows that proper pool fencing could prevent 7 out of 10 drownings to children under age 5. Most backyard pool fences only go around 3 side sides of the pool. This means that children can still reach the pool right from the house.
Most children who have drowned in backyard pools fell into the water during a short time when their parents or caregivers were not watching them. Children drown quickly and quietly. A parent inside the house may not hear their child get out the back door of the house, slip into the water, and drown.
Safe pool fencing is designed so that children cannot climb over or under it. Pool fencing should be at least 4 feet (1.2 metres) and have a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Visit our pool fencing information for more tips on safe fence designs
4) Lifejackets
Put young children under age 5, and weak swimmers, in lifejackets when they are in or near the water. Your child should always wear a lifejacket when she is riding in a boat. You should also wear a lifejacket, even if you know how to swim. 9 out of 10 boaters who drown in Canada were not wearing lifejackets when they get into trouble and drowned. Wearing a lifejacket also sets a good example for children.
Make sure the lifejacket fits your child's weight and fits snugly. Check the label to make sure it has been approved by at least one of the following:
- Transport Canada
- Canadian Coast Guard
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Visit our section on lifejackets for more information.
5) Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are a good way for children to gain confidence and get comfortable around water. A survey by Safe Kids Canada found that more than 4 out of 5 parents believe that swimming lessons are the best way to protect a child from drowning. Swimming lessons alone cannot prevent your child from drowning.
Children under the age of 5 do not have the physical skills to perform swimming strokes on their own. Swimming lessons for toddlers should focus on introducing children to the water and teaching parents about water safety. Children 5 years and older can begin to learn swimming strokes and water skills. Always supervise your child closely even as he becomes a stronger swimmer.
| Page published on 2010-02-01 |
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