‘Drowning during warmer months a common occurrence’

Plan on spending your time at the pool or at the beach?

While this is exactly how many people plan on spending their time after a cold winter, ER24 urges the public to be responsible while welcoming the warmer months. Drowning, especially during the warmer months, is a common occurrence.

Below are some tips to keep in mind to prevent drowning:

• Remember that anyone, including people who can swim, are at risk of drowning. Avoid taking risks and being overconfident.

• Refrain from drinking alcohol if you plan on swimming or if you are supervising others who are swimming. Remember that alcohol impairs movement and thinking.

• Children must always be supervised while around water or if swimming. Never allow a child to swim without adult supervision.

• Keep your pool covered with an approved safety/pool net when not in use. It is a good idea to put a fence around your pool if it is not fenced.

• Never dive into or act recklessly around a pool. Remember that you could easily fall or slip into the water and get injured.

• Do not swim far out into the ocean. You may struggle due to fatigue or get swept away. Swim in designated areas.

• Wear a life jacket especially when participating in water sports.

• Never swim alone.

• Learn how to swim if you do not know how to.

• It is vital that you learn first aid and CPR… you never know when you may need to assist someone in need.

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