No matter what time of year, but especially as the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outside, Richmond Fire-Rescue has a reminder to be careful around swimming pools, open water and even filled bath tubs.
Canadian Red Cross statistics indicate that about 600 Canadians drown each year and this number is on the increase. In 2010 over 60 drowning deaths occurred in B.C. alone.
The statistics further state the greatest at risk are males between the ages of 15 and 44 and female toddlers.
Drownings can occur while swimming or boating in open water or pools, and even in bathtubs. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children under 10 years of age.
With half of the drowning of children up to four years old, the victims were left unattended only for a few minutes.
Richmond Fire-Rescue Chief John McGowan reminds us that preventing a drowning is simple. Be diligent in never leaving a child alone or out of eye contact while he or she is in or near the pool or bathtub. Always use an approved personal flotation device (PFD) in a boat do not use inflatable toys to keep your child afloat. Ensure that the fencing and access for outdoor pools meets the requirements under the City of Richmonds Building Regulations Bylaw No. 7230.
The fence must be no less than a 1.2 metres high around the pool or yard with a self-closing gate designed to return to a closed position.
As B.C. offers endless rivers, oceanfront, lakes and pools, it is a very good idea to enroll children in learn-to-swim and/or water safety programs to teach them valuable life long water safety skills.
