Water Safety

• Never swim alone
• As a swim buddy you’re responsible for:
  • Calling for help in an emergency
  • Keeping an eye out for each other

• Be aware of one’s swimming abilities
• Let someone know where you are going and when you should be back

If you aren’t within arm’s reach – You’ve gone too far

• Appoint an adult to actively supervise any children at the pool at all times - the Lifesaving Society's On Guard card is a handy tool and reminder, with useful tips.
• Keep children under five within arms' reach in and around the water.
• Control and restrict access to water - a latching gate and four-sided fencing can prevent accidents and unintended access to the water.
• Use the Lifesaving Society's Backyard Pool Safety Inspections Guidelines with the Backyard Pool Checklist

Always wear a properly fitting life jacket when on or near water. Even if you are a strong swimmer, a life jacket can save your life in an accident.

Check the weather forecast before going out on the water. If there are high winds, lightning, or other dangerous conditions, it is best to stay on land.

If you are spending time in the water, it is essential to know how to swim. Take swimming lessons if necessary. Visit the Aquatics and Swimming Lessons webpage for all swimming lessons information.

Never go swimming or operate a watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Always be mindful of other swimmers and obstacles in the water.

Follow the posted signs and the laws of the waterway. These rules are in place to keep everyone safe.

• Everyone must wear a PFD when on a boat
• Ensure your boat has all safety equipment that is needed
• Make sure that the boat driver has their Motorized pleasure craft operator card
• Do not drive under the influence

• Quickly assess the situation
• Call for help and tell someone to call EMS/9-1-1
• It is always safest to perform the rescue from land
• Identify items that can be used as a throwing or reaching aid
• Remember the importance of anchoring yourself on shore before attempting to rescue guide/talk to the person who needs help through a self-rescue

• Ice should always be checked by a trained adult
• Adult supervision and a buddy are always necessary on the ice
• Ice on open water can never be considered completely safe
• Ice thickness for various activities (ice-safety zones) and always identify at least three items for safety around the ice (e.g., rope, warm clothes, whistle)
  • 15 cm for partners
  • 20 cm for small groups
  • 25 cm for snowmobiles

• Don't panic - the clothes you're wearing will trap air and keep you buoyant.
• Turn toward the direction you came from and place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface.
• Kick your feet and try to push yourself forward on top of the unbroken ice on your stomach like a seal.
• Once you are lying on the ice, don't stand up. Roll away from the break until you're on solid ice.

If you are planning to spend time in cold water, wear proper clothing such as a wetsuit, dry suit or thermal layers to keep yourself warm.

• keep away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice.
• avoid travelling on ice at night
• avoid slushy ice
• never go on the ice alone
• before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.

• 1 minute to get your breathing under control.
• 10 minutes of meaningful movement.
• 1 hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia.

Myth: Waterlogged clothing pulls you down in the water and makes you drown.
Reality: Actually, air trapped in your clothing will help keep you afloat temporarily. Once the clothes are soaked with water, they will be heavier, making moving and swimming more difficult.

Myth: The better you swim the better your chances of rescuing yourself if you fall through the ice.
Reality: Swimming proficiency plays only a small part in ice-related rescues. After as little as five minutes, cold water begins to rob you of your ability to move your limbs. This makes it very difficult for you to get out of the water, no matter what your swimming ability.

Myth: Snow on a frozen lake or river makes the ice surface stronger.
Reality: Snow acts as an insulating blanket, actually hindering ice formation and growth.

Myth: If the weather has been cold, the ice must be solid and safe.
Reality: Other factors that are largely independent of air temperature (e.g., wind, a layer of snow on the ice, currents and fluctuating water levels) can weaken ice and make it unable to bear weight. A sudden drop in air temperature, which is actually more dangerous than a sudden rise, can create cracks in the ice.

Myth: Thick ice is stronger than thin ice.
Reality: Even thick ice may be weak if it is "rotten" or contains layers of water. Rotten ice has frozen and thawed repeatedly, making it potentially fragile even when it appears solid.

• HELP - Heat Escape Lessing Position
• It is important to keep the head and neck out the water and get out of the water as soon as possible

• Recognize when someone is in danger
• Call for help
• Do not enter the water

• EMS – Emergency Medical Services
• When calling EMS:
  • Listen carefully
  • Answer questions slowly
  • Hang up last
  • Know your surroundings and explain to EMS where you are
  • The more information you can give EMS the better

• Is being aware of, recognizing, and knowing how to avoid dangerous situations
• Know how far you can safely swim a distance and be able to return safely
• Be aware of other swimmers and respect them

• Understand and be aware of your environment
• Identify shallow and deep water
• Point out what is safe and unsafe in the environment
• Before entering the water, check that the water is clear
• Check below and ahead for hazards or other people that might be in the way

Park-like setting, trail, and vehicular access, public parking, amenities such as shelters, changerooms/bathrooms, public access, dock availability, and designated swimming area.

Access to water, grass cut, picnic tables or benches, trails on recreational canal banks, and sports training and competition dock available, training and competition swimming occurring.

Extensive shrubbery, rocky shoreline, steep embankments, no swimming occurring.