Water Safety for Parents: From Swimwear to Supervision

Summer Water Safety: What Every Parent Should Know Before Pool or Lake Days

When the sun is shining, water becomes a natural playground for kids — pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans offer endless summer fun. But for parents, water is also one of the most dangerous environments your child will be exposed to. Drowning is fast, silent, and all too common — especially in Canada, where thousands of natural bodies of water lie just beyond backyard fences and cottage docks.

The Reality: Drowning Is a Leading Cause of Death for Canadian Children

• Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under age 10 in Canada.

• According to the Lifesaving Society of Canada, nearly 500 Canadians die from drowning every year, and almost one-third are under the age of 19.

• Children aged 1 to 4 are at the highest risk, most often drowning in pools, while older children are more at risk in open water like lakes and rivers.

• 88% of child drownings happen when a parent or caregiver is supervising — but distracted.

These tragedies are preventable with layers of protection: supervision, swimming skills, proper safety gear, and informed adults.

1. Enroll in Swimming Lessons Early

Formal swimming lessons reduce drowning risk by up to 88% for children ages 1–4, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society. The Red Cross and Lifesaving Society both emphasize the value of age-appropriate water safety education from toddlerhood.

Look for programs that teach:

• Entering and exiting water safely

• Floating, treading water, and self-rescue

• Using lifejackets and understanding currents

• Knowing when to call for help

Even for strong swimmers, refreshing skills before each summer season helps reinforce safety habits.

2. Supervision Saves Lives — But Only if It’s Active

Drowning happens in as little as 20 seconds. It is quiet — no splashing, no screaming. A child can slip under the water while you're answering a text.

Good supervision means:

• You're within arm's reach for young or weak swimmers

• You're not distracted by your phone, books, or alcohol

• You rotate with other adults every 15–30 minutes if needed

• You avoid relying on older children to supervise younger siblings

Tip: Use a “Water Watcher” card or lanyard to clearly identify the supervising adult at any given time.

3. Know the Risks in Different Environments

Each setting has unique dangers, especially in Alberta where cold lakes and rivers are common.

Pools

• Install fences with self-latching gates

• Use pool alarms or covers when not in use

• Never rely on inflatable toys or floaties for safety

Lakes and Rivers

• Use properly fitting lifejackets

• Be aware of drop-offs, weeds, and sudden cold

• Water visibility is often poor — stay close and alert

Oceans

• Only swim in lifeguard-supervised zones

• Learn to identify rip currents and how to escape (swim parallel to shore)

• Watch for tides, jellyfish, and sharp shells

4. Dress for Water Safety — Including the Right Colours

Lifejackets:

Always wear Transport Canada-approved lifejackets when boating, paddling, or playing near open water.

Swimwear Colour Matters:

A 2022 study by ALIVE Solutions tested how well different swimsuit colours showed up underwater — especially in murky or sun-glared conditions. Results showed that bright neon colours like orange, pink, and lime green were most visible. Earth tones, blue, and even white blended into water and became invisible within just a few feet.

Best for visibility:

• Neon orange

• Hot pink

• Lime green

• Bright yellow

Avoid:

• Blue, grey, white, or pastels (especially in natural water)

5. Take a CPR & First Aid Course

In emergencies, seconds matter. CPR, rescue breathing, and basic first aid skills can make the difference between life and death while you wait for EMS.

We recommend:

• CPR-C or Emergency First Aid with CPR

• Child & Infant CPR refresher courses for babysitters, older siblings, and grandparents

• Courses offered by trusted organizations like the Canadian Red Cross or Lifesaving Society

At Delta Emergency Support Training in Calgary, we offer family-friendly and babysitter-focused Red Cross courses year-round.

6. Teach Kids Water Safety at Every Age

Make water safety part of your regular parenting conversations:

• Always ask permission before going near water

• Never swim alone — even with a lifejacket

• Get out when cold or tired

• If in trouble: call for help, float, and don’t panic

• Teach older children how to help safely without jumping in themselves

Water should be fun — but it should also be respected.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Preventable Tragedy Ruin Your Summer

Most childhood drownings are not freak accidents — they are preventable. Supervision, the right gear, swimming skills, and training create the strongest safety net.

This summer, be proactive — and make sure water memories are joyful ones.

Looking for Babysitter or CPR Courses in Calgary?

Delta Emergency Support Training offers:

• Babysitter Certification (Red Cross)

• Emergency First Aid & CPR for Families

• Private bookings for friend groups or community groups

All classes are taught by real paramedics and emergency responders who know what works in real life.

Spots fill fast during summer — contact us today to learn more!