Soak up a safe summer of water fun, advise paediatricians

OTTAWA - Drowning only takes a second and is almost always silent. Children can drown in as little as 4 cm (1.5 inches) of water. Without proper safety measures, water can be dangerous for young children.

“Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children 1 to 4 years old. Babies and toddlers drown most often at home, in bathtubs and swimming pools,” says Dr. Danielle Grenier, the Canadian Paediatric Society’s (CPS) Director of Medical Affairs and community paediatrician in Gatineau , Quebec.

“The most important thing to remember is that infants and toddlers should always be within arm’s reach of an adult when they are in or around water. This includes pools, bathtubs, beaches, and other water sources.”

One adult should be available to supervise each individual infant or a maximum of two children under age 3. Teens should not supervise infants and toddlers without a “buddy” adult supervisor present.

There is no research to show that swimming lessons for children younger than 4 years of age will prevent drowning. At this age, children are not old enough to learn how to swim on their own. They are too young to react with water survival skills that would help them in an emergency situation. 

Personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets should be used by all infants who weigh at least 9 kg (20 lb) and by toddlers who are swimming or playing near or in the water. An adult should always hold infants who cannot sit unsupported and are too young to wear a PFD.

Home swimming pools should be fenced on all four sides and have self-­closing and self-latching gates, latched from the inside. The gate latch should be above the reach of children and locked when not in use. Check local bylaws for the height and type of fence required in your area.

Empty toddler and other portable backyard pools after use (at least once daily when used every day).

Parents and pool owners should learn how to swim and how to rescue a drowning victim, and should maintain certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Pool owners should have an emergency action plan, rescue equipment, and a telephone on the deck or poolside.

For more information about water and summer safety, visit www.caringforkids.cps.ca.

About the Canadian Paediatric Society

The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national advocacy association that promotes the health needs of children and youth. Founded in 1922, the CPS represents more than 3,300 paediatricians, paediatric subspecialists and other child health professionals across Canada.