Kids playing in a backyard swimming pool file photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / sparkiaKids playing in a backyard swimming pool file photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / sparkia
London

Keeping Kids Safe Around The Pool

With summer's hot and sticky days quickly approaching, children across southwestern Ontario will be looking to cool off in lakes, ponds, and backyard pools.

That urge to beat the heat by taking a dip has safety experts reminding parents to be vigilant about supervising their little ones around waterways.

"Kids are drawn to water no matter where it is. They don't understand the hazards that water presents, so they are attracted to it, " said Pamela Fuselli, a vice president at Parachute Canada, a national charity dedicated to preventing injuries and saving life. "Parents think they will hear their child drowning... it is silent and it is quick. That is why we talk about restricting access and making sure you are within arms reach."

Fuselli recommends parents erect a 5 ft high, four-sided fence with self-closing and latching gates around backyard pools. In London, a municipal bylaw forces pool owners to surround their pools with fencing.

"Although parents would love to have eyes in the back of their head they don't so kids can slip away," said Fuselli. "If kids get out at least that fence and gate is a barrier that slows them down and allows parents time to recognize that the child isn't in the house anymore and they can go out and find them in the yard."

If heading to the cottage or camping, parents are advised to pack life jackets and designate an adult who will keep an eye on the youngsters when they are near the water. Enrolling children in swimming lessons is also a good idea, but it does not replace the need for adult supervision when kids are playing in the water, said Fuselli.

According to statistics posted on Parachute's website, nearly 60 children a year die from drowning across Canada. Another 140 kids are hospitalized because of a near drowning experience. Children under 5 years old can drown in as little as 2.5 cm of water.

"We don't want to bubble wrap kids. We don't want them not swimming. We just want parents to take some precautions so that their kids can continue to enjoy what is a great activity," said Fuselli.

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