Did You Know?: Water Safety

A study by the Canadian Red Cross shows infants and toddlers aged 1-4 years have among the highest drowning rates in Canada.

The Red Cross study showed that in nearly half of infant and toddler drownings, the victims were alone, 38 per cent occurred while toddlers were supervised by adults and 17 per cent occurred while they were supervised by minors.

The solution is security and supervision. There is no substitute for adult supervision. But adults also need to ensure that their backyard pools meet local fencing and safety requirements and safety equipment is on hand at all times.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know?: Lifejackets

Canadian Red Cross drowning research shows that almost all boaters who drown were not wearing a lifejacket or not wearing it properly.

People offer many excuses for not wearing lifejackets such as “it’s too nice out”, “I’m close to shore,” and “I’m a good swimmer.” Strong swimming skills are not enough.  Like your car seatbelt, your lifejacket will only work if you wear it.

Every year, almost 200 Canadians drown while boating. Of these, nearly 90 per cent, are not wearing a lifejacket, or do not have it properly secured. The Canadian Red Cross encourages all boaters, at all skill levels, and in all kinds of watercrafts, to drop the excuses.  Make sure that everyone in the family is zipped and clipped into their lifejacket before you step foot in a boat. 

Lifejackets have come a long way in recent years.  Today’s lifejackets are comfortable and stylish, and are even designed for specific activities including water skiing, fishing, kayaking and rafting.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Drowning prevention

We have already entered a new season in the Ottawa area, the summer drowning season. Every year lives are lost due to drowning, all of which are preventable through simple safety measures.

If you own a pool then you need to ensure that your yard is fenced in, if you have children even the pool itself should be fenced. A baby can drown in as little of an inch of water and there have been cases of drowning in washing machines (as most parents can attest children move very fast).

By law there needs to a life jacket person plus 1 extra in every boat, even this is not enough since a life jacket is of no use if you are not wearing it. Most people will put life jackets on their children but not themselves. If the boat should tip how will you take of the children if you are trying to find and put on your lifejacket (provided you can even put it on)?

Alcohol should be left onshore and you should not boat while intoxicated.

This summer: Prepare! Stay Safe! Survive!

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.