Grey County OPP are hoping to prevent tragic backyard pool drownings this season.
The Life Saving Society of Canada says children who drown usually have easy access to the pool, or are left unsupervised for a minute or two.
OPP ask guardians to stay within arms reach of children because drowning can occur in as little as ten seconds.
Always keep your eye on the pool even if you are chatting with others.
Limit the number of inflatable toys in the water, an keep a close eye on kids playing with them. Remove them all at the end of swim time.
Should should build a lockable fence around the pool, and when inside, lock all doors from the house to the pool.
- Don’t dive or go head-first into the shallow end of the pool and never dive into an above ground pool. Protect your neck. Many head and spinal injuries are caused by horseplay.
- Don’t swim if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Alcohol reduces your ability to respond quickly and appropriately.
- Always swim with a “buddy”. In case of an emergency, someone is available to assist you. Have a cell phone nearby.
- Drain all backyard wading pools after use. A child can drown in just a few centimetres of water.
- Establish a set of pool rules and ensure that everyone using your pool follows them.
