Send this to a friend Print-friendly version What we have learned: 10 years of pertinent facts about drowning and other water-related injuries in Canada 1991-2000 Past Articles Subscribe to our Healthlink newsletter

ummer is here, and we Canadians are now heading outdoors, enjoying the beauty that is our country, and the warmer weather we crave as we shake off the effects of our long winter! As many of us embark on holidays, and enjoy a variety of recreational weekend pursuits on the water, it is important to remain vigilant in preventing water-related injuries and drownings. Before you head to the local pool, beach, lake or river, take a moment to think about water safety.

Water-related incidents occur with alarming frequency and gravity in Canada. "In 2000, there were 472 deaths due to drowning in Canada," says Karen Shank, National Coordinator, Water Safety Services, Canadian Red Cross.

			Buckle up! Wear the gear! Choose the right floatation device
			Children should wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) when in, on, and around the water. Remember, however, that the PFD must never substitute for adult supervision. And parents should set a good example by wearing a PFD too! Make sure the flotation device for a child has the grab strap and groin tie (for infant and toddler PFDs); this ensures they don't slip out and keeps their head afloat. PFDs should also have a whistle. And make sure they fit properly. Checklist for PFDs or lifejackets: Is the article Canadian Coast Guard or Department of Transport-approved? Will it support the person it was made for? Are all the snaps, belts, tapes and/or zippers on your lifejacket or PFD in good condition? Is it easy to put on and take off? Can you move your arms freely when wearing it? Does it let you bend at the waist? Can you see the ground at your feet and walk over obstacles easily? Does it keep your head above water? Relax in the water face down - does your lifejacket roll you to a face-up position? Can you swim and manoeuvre easily in the water? Have you attached a whistle to your flotation device?

Despite this sobering statistic, the Lifesaving Society reports a continuing trend of reduced drownings in Canada; a 15% decrease, in fact, in the five year period 1996-2000 over the previous 5-year period (1991-1995). It notes, however, that drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional death for Canadians under 60 years of age, surpassed only by motor vehicle collisions and poisoning. (National Drowning Trends Report 1991-2000 -- Lifesaving Society).

According to the Red Cross, following boating , swimming, wading, or playing near unprotected water such as swimming pools are the most frequent activities leading to drowning.

Water incidents are, of course, most grave when they result in drowning, but other forms of serious injury can result, including broken bones, cuts and abrasions, spinal cord injuries and brain damage (due to a lack of oxygen to the brain) for some near-drowning victims. Neck and back injuries are common after diving incidents and can result in permanent paralysis. One of the major causes of spinal injuries is drinking and diving; in this risk category, young men are at greatest risk.

According to the Red Cross and other national water safety experts, the groups most at risk are:

Men

• Most drowning victims are males between 15 and 74 years of age
• 83% of Canadian drowning victims are male

Toddlers

• Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional death among Canadian children between the ages of one and four (automobile accidents are the leading cause)
• Sixty-nine percent of drowning victims aged one to four are alone at the time of drowning; an additional 24% are accompanied only by other children
• Only 18% of toddlers who die in water-related deaths are known to be swimming or playing in the water; about 65% were only playing or walking near water
• For every toddler who dies from drowning, there are an estimated six to 10 additional near-drownings which require hospitalization

			Dive smartly!
			The majority of backyard pools are NOT designed for diving. Never dive into above ground pools. Think before you dive. Ensure water depth is at least 10 feet deep; remember the depth of lakes or oceans can change due to tides or seasons Ensure water is deep enough for the entire path of the dive, and that no rocks or debris are in the way; the length of a typical dive depends on a variety of factors, such as height of dive and size of diver. Go feet first into the water on all slides.

Boaters
A recent research paper prepared for the Canadian Safe Boating Council entitled "Will it Float?: Mandatory PFD Wear Legislation in Canada", outlines the risk factors for boating-related drownings:

• Adult males, and particularly those in the 25 - 45 year age group
• Lack of safety training and inexperience
• Environmental factors
• Alcohol
• Reckless behaviour
• Non-usage of a flotation device

Swimmers
Although you may consider yourself a capable or strong swimmer, this alone may not prevent injury or drowning. Water temperature, distance from shore and other factors contribute to risk on the water. Recent Lifesaving Society data indicates that 71% of Canadian drowning victims were capable swimmers.

For toddlers, the backyard pool is an extremely high-risk area: thirty-five percent of toddler drownings occur in private swimming pools. (The degree of this risk becomes clear when you consider that there are some 38,000 backyard pools in the province of Ontario alone!) Children also drown in almost every imaginable setting, including streams, hot tubs, drainage ditches, buckets and puddles.

Adult drownings occur more frequently on lakes and ponds, followed by rivers and streams.

Drownings from recreational pursuits represent the largest activity area (63%), followed by daily living activity in and around the home (22%), and occupational activity (6%). Swimming, sport-fishing and power boating are the three most significant recreational risk areas for adults, according to the Lifesaving Society. And the Red Cross adds that 40% of drownings occur in boating incidents, of which two-thirds are alcohol-related.

"Drownings, like other injury deaths, are predictable and preventable. Our goal, and that of our partners in water safety, is to get that number down to zero," offers Karen Shank of the Red Cross. You can manage and help reduce the risk of water-related deaths and injuries by being well-prepared and taking basic precautions.

Look first! Check your physical environment and equipment

Toys
Caution should be followed when using inflatable toys. Sharp rocks or pointy objects can deflate the toys, creating a water-risk hazard. Children generally don't wear a lifejacket while on these toys, contributing to frequent incidents and numerous drownings.

			Swim Safely!
			When swimming in the ocean, be aware of the tides and currents and keep an eye on the shifting weather patterns Know the signs of hypothermia, and how to respond in an emergency Swim in daylight when you can see and be seen Swim with a buddy Get trained, and swim within your capabilities Enter the water feet first to know depth of water Check for dangerous objects such as glass or sharp rocks Swim in supervised areas

Pools
Managing and minimizing risk in backyard pools can be achieved by providing a few physical safety features and employing pool rules:

Physical Features:

• Ideally, fencing should be at least 6 feet high and surround the pool completely; do not include the house as part of the enclosure.
• Gates should be self-latching and self-closing so the gate is not inadvertently left open; consider self-locking mechanisms.
• Be sure to have at least one PFD, a reach-pole, life buoy, and a first aid kit on hand at all times.
• Keep a telephone less than one minute away from the pool to reach emergency services quickly in the event of an emergency.
• Store your pool chemicals in clearly labeled, childproof containers; keep them out of children's reach, preferably in a locked area.
  

Pool Rules:

• Children should only swim when supervised by an adult.
• Pool cover must be completely removed before any swimmer enters the water.
• Play with care - don't push or jump on others. Even the friendliest "dunking" game is dangerous.
• Walk, don't run, on the pool deck.
• Keep your head! Feet first entries only.
• Swim sober! Alcohol and pools don't mix.
• Keep the pool deck free of debris and toys.
• Only plastic cups should be allowed on the pool deck.
• Gates to the pool must be closed at all times.

Boats
Ensure your craft is properly outfitted:

• Safety equipment on-board, and in working order
• Replacement parts and other materials for repairs
• Adequate reserves of fuel
• Basic foods and an adequate drinking water supply
• Warm clothing
• First aid kit

If you are venturing on an overnight journey, it is wise to prepare a "float plan", and leave it with a neighbour or family member. This plan should minimally include your intended destination, an indication of when you will be back, the names of those in your party, and intended mooring / docking sites en route.

Predict, plan and prevent!
A 'water-safe' summer involves thinking ahead and following basic prevention tips.

Weather
As a first step before going on the water, always check the weather forecast. Make smart choices about a boating trip or swimming expedition on the basis of the weather that is anticipated for your destination. Get out of (or off) the water at first signs of bad weather; lightning could strike at any moment.

Supervision
Many toddlers drown when the guardian's supervision is distracted "only for a moment." For this reason, supervising children is an essential first step in prevention. A small child can drown in only a few inches of water (enough to cover the mouth and nose), and in only a few distracted moments: be vigilant, always! Older children should be encouraged to swim in daylight and with adult supervision.

Training
As it is for many things, it's smart to get trained for all water activities.
Learn proper swimming and safety techniques by enrolling children (and adults!) in water safety classes, such as those offered by the Canadian Red Cross. At whatever level of skill, it is important to swim within one's capabilities.

If you're operating a boat, be fully prepared by enrolling in an operator's program (such as Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons programs and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Learn how to respond in an emergency by taking first aid and water safety lessons-for example, if someone falls out of boat, use a reaching assist to help them to safety. If your boat capsizes, try to get as much of your body out of the water as possible.

Be guided by, and adhere to, boating regulations for your craft and province.

• Water safety services
  From the Canadian Red Cross
  
  
• Boat Smart Canada
  From the Canadian Red Cross and Transport Canada
  
  
• Drowning prevention initiatives
  From National First Nations and Inuit Injury Prevention Working Group, Health Canada
  
  
• Sports and water safety: fun in the water
  From Health Canada