Water activities can offer endless joy and cherished memories for families. However, it's essential to recognize that water safety is paramount, especially when it comes to our little ones. Drowning remains a significant concern, particularly for children under 5 years of age, and proactive measures are crucial to ensure their safety. In this article, we'll explore practical tips and precautions to safeguard infants, toddlers, children, and teens around various water bodies, from backyard pools to natural lakes and rivers.
Understanding the Risks
Drowning incidents involving children often occur in seemingly harmless environments, such as backyard pools lacking proper safety features or during moments of distraction. In Canada, drowning stands as one of the leading causes of injury-related death for young children, underscoring the urgency of water safety awareness. Even shallow water poses a risk, with tragedies occurring in as little as 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water.
Precautions for Every Age Group
Infants (0-12 months): Babies who cannot sit without support and are too young for portable flotation devices (PFDs) must always be held by an adult while near water.
Toddlers (1 - 3 years): Close supervision is vital, with toddlers needing to stay within arm’s reach of an adult when in or around water, including pools, bathtubs, and beaches.
Children (4-12 years): Continuous adult supervision is essential for children around water, emphasizing that no child should be left alone in a pool or bathtub, even momentarily. A recommended supervision ratio ensures adequate oversight.
Teens (13+ years): While older children may have more swimming skills, they still require supervision and adherence to water safety guidelines.
Choosing the Right Safety Gear
When it comes to personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets, selecting the appropriate gear is critical. Understanding the differences between lifejackets and PFDs, along with adhering to safety standards and size recommendations, ensures optimal protection for children while in the water.
A lifejacket can hold the person wearing it upright and turn them from face-down to face-up. A PFD keeps a person floating but doesn’t necessarily keep them upright. It is less bulky than a lifejacket and keeps the person wearing it warmer in the water because the foam is more evenly spread around the body.
You can use either for your little one, as long as it is designed for children!
In Canada, there are no approved lifejackets or PFDs available for infants who weigh less than 9kg (20 lb).
PFDs or lifejackets should be worn by ALL INFANTS who weigh at least 9kg (20lb) and by toddlers who are swimming or playing near/in water.
Always make sure the PFD/lifejacket meets current national safety standards by checking its label - it must be approved by at least one of Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The PFD/lifejacket should be the right size for your child’s weight and you should make sure all safety straps are fastened, including the crotch strap.
Water wings, neck rings, bathing suits with flotation devices in them and other swim toys ARE NOT safety devices.
Ensuring Home Pool Safety
For families with backyard pools, stringent safety measures are imperative. This includes proper fencing, self-closing and self-latching gates, and emergency preparedness with CPR training and rescue equipment.
The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) recommends that backyard pools should be fenced on 4 sides with a fence that is at least 4ft high.
If you are using a portable backyard pool, CPS recommends emptying it after use (at least once daily if used every day).
Parents and pool owners should know how to swim and learn how to rescue a drowning victim.
Additional Water Safety Tips
Use water-safe diapers to prevent accidents in pools.
Empty buckets/pails, bathtubs and other water containers promptly to avoid accidental drowning.
Exercise caution around natural water bodies, especially during periods of fast currents or spring runoff.
Engage in age-appropriate swimming lessons that prioritize water confidence and safety education.
Be Prepared for Anything with the Right Training
Expanding on the importance of infant CPR and the courses offered by Bump+Baby Matters adds a crucial layer to our discussion on water safety for children.
Parenthood comes with immense joy and responsibility, but it's also natural to feel apprehensive about handling emergencies, especially for first-time parents and caregivers. At Bump+Baby Matters, we understand these concerns and believe that equipping individuals with essential life-saving skills is paramount.
Infant CPR is a vital skill that every caregiver should possess. It's a technique used to revive babies who have stopped breathing or whose hearts have stopped beating. In emergency situations such as drowning incidents or choking episodes, knowing how to perform infant CPR can mean the difference between life and death.
Our courses are designed to empower parents, caregivers, and anyone involved in the care of infants with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies. With a curriculum tailored to address the specific needs of infants and young children, our certified instructors guide participants through hands-on training sessions that cover essential topics such as:
Recognizing emergency situations: Participants learn to identify signs of distress or potential emergencies in infants, including choking and breathing difficulties.
Performing CPR: Through interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, attendees gain proficiency in infant CPR techniques, including chest compressions and rescue breathing.
Creating a safe environment: We emphasize preventive measures and safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents and emergencies, including water safety guidelines discussed earlier in this blog post.
Explore all of our available classes here.