As families across Manitoba make the most of warm weather, water safety remains a pressing concern, particularly for young children.
Over 260,000 units recalled
On Monday, Health Canada issued a recall for more than 260,000 above-ground swimming pools sold nationwide, following reports of nine child drownings in the United States.
The pools, manufactured by Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, were found to pose a serious hazard as built-in compression straps along the outside of the pool can act as footholds, allowing small children to climb in undetected. While no injuries have been reported in Canada, safety officials are urging families to act swiftly by either draining the pool or contacting the manufacturer for a free repair kit to replace the strap with a safer alternative.
A provincial wake-up call
Lorne Edwards, Media Coordinator for Lifesaving Society Manitoba and spokesperson for the Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters, is sounding the alarm, especially in light of Manitoba’s troubling statistics.
“On a per capita basis, Manitoba leads all provinces in child drownings for children five years old and under,” Edwards says. “There are so many instances where parents and caregivers think it's okay to relax for just a moment, but that moment is all it takes.”
According to Edwards, drownings can happen anywhere.
“Drowning can happen in as little as 10 seconds and in just a few inches of water. We’ve seen this tragic outcome in various situations, whether it’s a child wandering into a backyard pool, a crowded beach, or just playing near standing water. No water is safe without supervision," he continues.
The recent pool recall is another reminder that water safety is not a seasonal suggestion, but a year-round responsibility that must be taken seriously, especially when children are involved.
"With children 5 and under, you've got to be right next to them at all times. We always advise to keep them within arm's reach and that is the length of the child's arm, not yours. This is so they can reach out and grab you if they need to," he explains.
In rural areas, drownings can also occur in unexpected places, like shallow ditches or wells.
"We've seen all kinds of those circumstances and many others. Even a bucket of water in the backyard with an unsupervised child is a tragedy waiting to happen," he adds.
Prevention strategies for every family
For families with above-ground pools, Edwards recommends more than just repairing the recalled models.
"If you have a backyard pool, consider installing a four-sided fence with a self-latching gate. It’s one of the best ways to prevent a tragedy," he continues. "We always advise keeping the pool covered and taking the toys out of the pool when not in use because they act like a magnet and draw children towards it, which is a recipe for disaster if there's no supervision."
He also emphasizes the importance of designating one adult to be responsible for child supervision during water activities.
“At a backyard barbecue or social gathering, it can be so easy to get distracted or to relax. Designate one person whose only job is to watch the children at all times. It is an important layer of protection that will prevent child drownings and hopefully get the numbers down in Manitoba," he says.
Lifesaving Society Manitoba strongly discourages the use of water wings or puddle jumpers, as they give a false sense of security and can inhibit a child from learning how to properly move in the water. Additionally, they encourage everyone to take swimming lessons, no matter their age.
“Swimming is a life skill, and there’s no age limit to learning. It builds confidence and is crucial to drowning prevention," he notes.
A call to action
With today also being World Drowning Prevention Day, Edwards encourages all Manitobans to take the time to reflect on water safety practices.
“This day is a reminder that drowning is a global problem, but it’s also something we can prevent with proper precautions. There's no reason to be afraid of the water, but it's important to know of the risks and the ways you can protect yourself and your family."
As families enjoy summer activities, Edwards urges Manitobans to remember that water safety is a shared responsibility, one that can make the difference between life and death.