In BC from 2014-2019, there were 78 hospitalizations among children for drowning and 15 fatalities. There are several ways parents/caregivers can take care to ensure children remain safe while enjoying the relief water can bring on a hot day. 

Water safety tips: 

• Children need constant supervision when they are around any type of body of water including a wading pool, pond, splash pad, lake or beach – always watch children closely.  
• Adults should be within an arm’s reach at all times and provide ‘touch supervision’ to infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers. 
• Never assume that a child who knows how to swim isn't at risk for drowning. 
• Enroll children in swimming lessons. If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider enrolling yourself too. 
• Ensure children are wearing proper-fitting Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) when they are in or around water. For kids younger than five-years-old, choose a device with a strap between the legs and head support. 
• Empty small, above ground wading pools after use. Even a small amount of water (five centimetres) can be left in an inflatable pool which can be hazardous for a child.
• Clear all toys from pools when not in use to ensure children do not attempt to retrieve them later on. 
• If you’re at the beach do not allow children to swim in large waves or undertows.
• Parents/caregivers should model the behaviour they want children to demonstrate. For example, when on a boat, parents/caregivers should also wear PFD’s.
• Talk to children about the dangers of water and ensure they follow rules and directions.