WATER SAFETY

One of the best outings for a school or community group is to head for the local lake or waterfront on a sunny day to enjoy the natural beauty of British Columbia.  To ensure the day ends happily, and not in tragedy, the Lifesaving Society offers the following tips for safety around the water.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Is there lifeguard supervision? Is there emergency equipment provided such as a ring buoy or other reaching assist? What are the designated swimming areas and hazardous areas to avoid? What are the drop-offs or other hidden hazards (such as rocks) just below the surface? Is there an emergency phone nearby or cell reception?

SWIM WITH A BUDDY

Always swim with friends or family when you go into or near the water. If something goes wrong, they will be able to help. 

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

Ensure that the water is safe before you enter. Check the depth with your feet first and wading in before diving or jumping. Check the water temperature. Open water is often much colder than it looks and can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.

GET PROPERLY TRAINed

Take a Lifesaving Society course on water rescue and first aid.

Wear a Canadian-approved life jacket if you are an inexperienced swimmer, you are swimming in cold or deep water, or engaging in any water-related activity.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIFEJACKET

When it comes to choosing a PFD, the Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends bright colours for better visibility.  PFDs are now available in many bright colours and activity appropriate styles. Just check the label to ensure that the PFD is approved by the Canadian Coast Guard.

CHECK THE SIZE

Choose a PFD that is comfortable and allows free movement, including walking and sitting. Try it on and do up all zippers and belts. Pull up on the collar to ensure it does not ride up and        interfere with movement or breathing.

CHECK THE CONDITION

Inspect your PFD or lifejacket frequently.  Ensure seams are intact, and that snaps, belts or zippers work.  If you happen to chose an inflatable type PFD be aware that certain restrictions and criteria apply.

CAUGHT YOU WEARING IT

PHOTO CONTEST

Post a photo of you in your favorite PFD or lifejacket on the waters of B.C. and tag @WaterWise Team for a chance to win weekly prizes. 

RECOGNIZE

Recognize someone who is drowning. Drowning can occur very quickly, in as little as 10 seconds, and is often silent. Drowning victims are unable to support themselves at the surface, as such they are very dangerous to the rescuer as they can grab on in order to get their head above the water.

DROWNING VICTIMS:

  • Cannot call for help. When they do surface, they gasp for breath to stay alive.
  • Distress is obvious on their face when above the water (fearful expression and large eyes).
  • Body in the vertical position with the head back.
  • Hands may be 'splashing' at the surface.
  • May not be visible (fully submerged).
  • May be conscious or unresponsive.

RESPOND

CALL for help

  • Call a lifeguard
  • Call 9-1-1

RESCUE

Rescues involving others can be physically and emotionally demanding for both the rescuer and victim. Your safety is your primary and ongoing priority in a rescue.

TALK

From a dry, safe position, talk to the victim and encourage him or her to safety. Tell the victim to "keep your head up, kick your feet, and grab the side." Eye contact and positive encouragement can have immediate results on a victim at close range, without putting you in any danger.

THROW

From a dry, safe position, throw a buoyant assist to the victim, and talk them back to safety. Remember that wind and waves make it harder to throw with accuracy,

REACH

From a dry, safe position, reach with an assist to the victim and pull him or her to safety. Keep your centre of gravity low and anchor yourself by holding onto a solid object such as a tree root, ladder, or dock. This will help you from being pulled into the water. 

 

 

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