Summer is synonymous with fun under the sun and in the water. It’s the perfect season to take a dip and make a splash with the entire family. From weekends at lakeside cottages to swimming in backyard or community pools across Ontario, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the water.
However, before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with water activities. It’s the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. For instance, did you know that drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children?
This is why it’s essential to keep safety tips in mind while the entire family is swimming, diving, boating, and engaging in other water activities this summer. In the unfortunate event of an accidental drowning or injury while you or your children are in the water, it’s also important to know who to contact—a personal injury attorney who can help you and your family seek damages, closure, and peace of mind.
Ready to splash into summer? Dive in safely with these tips for water safety in Ontario.
Drowning and Other Risks: The Significance of Water Safety
Drowning may be one of the most significant risks that people of all ages face, particularly children. It’s why most parents are determined to have their children learn how to swim, and society as a whole considers swimming to be one of the top essential survival skills.
However, did you know that swimming is just one aspect of water safety? Preventing drowning goes beyond teaching kids (and even adults) how to avoid slip-and-fall accidents on the poolside, tread water in deep areas, and avoid fighting against the current. Small children can drown in just a few inches of water—enough to submerge their mouth and nose—in the bathtub, backyard or toddler pools, or at the beach.
Water safety requires prevention and active supervision in all settings where water is present. Whether you’re at a beach in Toronto, swimming in the backyard, or bathing in the tub, it’s always crucial to watch and guide children, enter the water feet-first, and combine swimming skills with an active presence of mind. Let’s explore these tips in more detail below.
7 Tips for Water Safety
- Always wear a life jacket
When boating or riding a jet ski, ensure that everyone wears a life jacket appropriate for their age and body size. Don’t leave the dock without everyone in your group wearing one, especially children in properly fitted life jackets. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a strong swimmer or not—a life jacket in good working condition is a lifesaver, particularly in deep waters and strong currents. - Stay sober
Never enter the water while drunk or even slightly intoxicated. Alcohol consumption is one of the leading factors in boating accidents and fatalities. Operating a boat while under the influence puts you and your entire group at risk, which can even lead to criminal charges and the loss of your Ontario boating license. - Learn to swim
Perhaps the most fundamental water safety tip everyone learns early on—it’s crucial to learn how to swim. It’s called a survival skill for a good reason.
When boating, kayaking, or even just lounging on the shore or docks, many people believe they don’t necessarily need to know how to swim, especially if they’re not planning to enter the water. However, that’s not entirely accurate. In fact, it’s beneficial to know even just the basics. Knowing how to float and swim to safety is a life-saving skill—and one that’s never too late to acquire. - Avoid water activities in bad weather
What’s a little rain when you’re going to get wet at the beach anyway, right? Not exactly. You need to pay attention to the weather and avoid being in the water during a storm. You’ll want to stay close to the shore in case the waves start to swell and the current sweeps you away, out of range of contact and far from emergency help. - Never go in the water alone
The buddy system is one of the most effective ways to stay safe in the water. Avoid going alone, and never leave children unsupervised. Having a buddy with you or closely watching the kids allows you to call for help immediately and prevent drowning or getting lost in the water. - Load your watercraft properlyIf you’re boating, canoeing, or kayaking, ensure that you distribute the load in your watercraft evenly. Place heavy items strategically to avoid tipping over. Similarly, if you are carrying passengers, limit them to the recommended number of people or equivalent weight. In other words, don’t go boating with too many people onboard to avoid capsizing your vessel.
- Use safety equipment
Lastly, use the necessary safety equipment for your watercraft and activity. For example, if you’re kayaking, dress appropriately for submersion, since the likelihood of tipping over is quite high. Wear clothing that is fast-drying and will keep you warm to prevent hypothermia.
- Additionally, use a leash or strap to secure your ankle. This helps you pull the board back and prevents you from getting stuck in the water if you fall. Lastly, be mindful of waves—both those driven by other boats and the natural current—to avoid getting swept up and lost in the water.Consult a Personal Injury Attorney in OntarioWere you or a loved one involved in a boating accident or suffered an injury during water activities? Our personal injury attorneys understand how these events can easily dampen your summer fun. But Lawyer For Car Accident can help.It’s crucial to contact our Toronto law firm immediately in case of an accident or injury sustained during boating, swimming, kayaking, or other water activities. Our law firm specializes in assisting victims and their families in filing claims and seeking damages from parties at fault for their role in your losses and suffering. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys prioritize your safety in the water, especially this summer, and ensure that you have the necessary resources to recover and reclaim this season of adventure.Did you suffer an injury during water activities? Contact Lawyer For Car Accident in Toronto today for a consultation on your personal injury claim.