Summer in Douglasdale, Douglas Glen and Quarry Park means sunshine, outdoor fun, and lots of time spent near water—whether it’s in a backyard pool, at the Bow River, or on a family trip. But with all the excitement, it’s important to remember that water safety must come first.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children in Canada. It can happen quickly and silently—and often in familiar places like home pools or local rivers. As your community association, DQCA wants to help you stay informed and prepared. Here are some important drowning prevention tips for parents and caregivers this summer.
Why It Matters
- Children under 5 are at the highest risk, but drowning can affect all age groups.
- Drowning can happen in under 30 seconds and often occurs without warning signs like splashing or shouting.
- Most incidents occur during moments of distraction or gaps in supervision.
Top Water Safety Tips for Parents & Caregivers
1. Always Supervise Children Around Water
- Stay within arm’s reach of young children when they are in or near water.
- Avoid distractions—put your phone down and focus on your child.
- Never assume someone else is watching.
2. Use the “Water Watcher” Rule
- At gatherings, designate a responsible adult to watch kids in the water at all times.
- Switch roles every 15–30 minutes to stay alert and engaged.
3. Secure Pools and Water Features
- If you have a backyard pool, install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
- Drain kiddie pools, buckets, and tubs immediately after use.
- Keep pool toys out of sight to prevent kids from being tempted to reach for them unsupervised.
4. Teach Water Safety Early
- Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming lessons.
- Teach basic skills like floating, treading water, and exiting the pool safely.
- Reinforce rules: no running near water, no diving in shallow areas, and always swim with a buddy.
5. Life Jackets Save Lives
- Use properly-fitted, Transport Canada-approved life jackets when boating or near open water.
- Water wings and inflatable toys are not substitutes for supervision or flotation devices.
6. Know What to Do in an Emergency
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue techniques.
- Keep a phone and emergency floatation device nearby during water activities.
- Talk to children about what to do if they or someone else is in trouble.
