Be Water Safe! Be Water Smart! Keep kids safe around water this summer

With summer now here, the Manitoulin Partners for Water Safety coalition is once again reminding those that enjoy spending time on and around the many lakes, rivers, and streams to “Be Water Safe! Be Water Smart!”

Drowning and near-drowning incidents involving children in Ontario remain a Public Health concern. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five, and 93% of those children have absent or distracted supervision. Backyard pools are the greatest risk for children, accounting for one third of drownings for children under the age of five. The coalition emphasizes the critical need for constant supervision and preparedness when children are near water to prevent avoidable tragedies.

Water safety is not just about teaching kids to swim, it’s also about staying alert and actively supervising children. It is recommended that children should always be within arm’s reach of a responsible adult when near water—whether in the bathtub, a pool, river, or lake. Parents and caregivers need to stay close, always keep their eyes on the child, and never rely on flotation devices alone as substitutes for supervision. They should also ensure that pools and areas near the water are not accessible to children, for example, by having fences around pools.

“Water safety is a shared responsibility. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, which is why it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to always supervise children when they are near water—whether it’s a pool, beach, or lake. Let’s stay vigilant, stay together, and ensure everyone can enjoy water activities safely,” said Stephanie Gray, a public health nurse with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

In addition to active supervision, the following water safety tips are recommended to help keep children safe:

• Make sure pools are fenced in and the gates are closed and secured when the pool is not in use.
• Teach children to swim at an early age—let swimming lessons be one of their first organized sports.
• Be a role model—show children how to be safe around water.
• Actively watch children and non-swimmers around water. Put your phone or device away and enjoy the moment.
• Ensure children wear properly fitted life jackets when boating or around water. In Canada, you must have an appropriately sized lifejacket for each person on board a watercraft.
• When possible, choose swimming areas that are lifeguard supervised.
• Remain sober while spending time around water or providing supervision.
• Use barriers, like pool fences, to restrict access to areas containing water.
• Be familiar with CPR and register for a course.

Manitoulin Partners for Water Safety is a collaborative effort between the Municipality of Central Manitoulin, the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin & the Islands, the Township of Assiginack, the Town of Gore Bay, Assiginack Family Health Team, Mnaamodzawin Health Services, Ontario Provincial Police, Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board Paramedic Services, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, and Public Health Sudbury & Districts to improve water safety on Manitoulin Island.

For more information on water safety, visit phsd.ca/safety or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Manitoulin Office at 705.370.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).