Pool and Beach Safety Tips

by Dennis Kim

Swimming is a great activity that is enjoyed by many across Canada. Whether it’s at home in your private pool, the beach or a lake, swimming is an excellent way to cool off and enjoy the sun. Many people use swimming as their primary form of exercise for its low-impact way to increase stamina and tone muscles. Although swimming is as popular as walking for physical activity, it comes with a number of possible dangers that people must keep in mind. By following these simple safety rules, you can prevent drowning and make summer safety for children a priority.

General Swimming Safety Tips

A day spent swimming is likely to end well if adults are willing and able to supervise their kids. The best things parents can do is:

- Select a day free of storms and rain (if the water is outside)
- Inspect the swimming area of any hazards (including glass, metal and sharp rocks)
- Keep life jackets and throw ropes handy - Swim in an area where lifeguards are present
- Never leave another child to monitor other children swimming
- Avoid drinking excessive alcohol or other substances that inhibit concentration
- If you’re swimming outside, make sure to sit in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat. Be aware of signs of heat stroke

It’s also important to keep in mind that experience swimming in pools doesn’t necessarily translate to swimming in open bodies of water outdoors.

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Swimming in a local home or pool is a way many families enjoy warm weather during the summer months. Although most swimming pools have been designed with safety in mind, they can still be dangerous. With these swimming tips, you’ll have the best safety plan for children. - Look for and read the signs on the pool deck

- Before diving, make sure you check how deep the water is
- Walk, don’t run
- Never swim alone
- Take a standard first aid course

How To Make Your Pool Safe

If you have your own pool in your backyard, there are a few things you can do to make it as safe as possible for you and your kids. To start, you can:

- Fence off your pool
- Cover drains and suction hazards
- Keep your pool clean
- Make your pool accessible

Staying Safe At The Beach

Swimming in the ocean is as freeing as it gets, however, the ocean is powerful. With unpredictable waves and currents, it can put even the most talented swimmers at risk. When families spend a day at the beach, they should start by researching the tides. From there, they can find a comfortable spot close to the water at low tide.

When swimming in ocean waves, people should avoid turning their back to the beach. Waves can hit surprisingly hard and even experienced swimmers should be prepared. People who intend to swim out into the water should watch for the following:

- Rip currents
- Rocky outcrops
- Sudden drop-offs in the water or inshore holes

When it comes to pool and beach safety, you can never be too prepared. Since fewer people are travelling right now, more and more families are spending time outside and swimming has become a popular outdoor activity during covid. The best thing everyone can do is be safe in both private pools and beach settings. With these simple rules, kids can enjoy the summer while staying safe.