Drowning prevention best practices blog

Welcome to our blog about water safety! Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five, and it is important to take steps to ensure that children are safe when they are near or in the water.

In this blog, we discuss the importance of drowning prevention and how WETS is helping to support the community through our expert swimming lessons.

As a leader in swim education, we believe that it’s our responsibility to not only teach children how to swim, but also to promote water safety and educate individuals on the risks of drowning. By providing comprehensive swim instruction and resources, we aim to reduce the number of drowning incidents and create a safer environment for all. Check out our blog posts to learn about swimming tips, practical water safety lessons, and helpful resources that you can use to keep your family safe in and around the water.
It is our passion to support the community through drowning prevention, and we invite you to participate by learning about water safety.

Uncategorized

Prevent Drowning This Summer: Must-Have Vacation Water Safety Checklist

As summer vacation approaches, families everywhere are gearing up for days spent at the beach, poolside fun, and plenty of...
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Best Sports Lessons in Kelowna 2023 – A Winning Combination of Excellence and Convenience
History

Best Sports Lessons in Kelowna 2023 – A Winning Combination of Excellence and Convenience

We are thrilled to announce that WETS has been honoured with the prestigious award of Best In Kelowna 2023 in...
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A tribute to Eleanor
History

A tribute to Eleanor

"Put your head down and kick!" On Saturday afternoons at Sherbrooke pool back in the 60s you could hear my...
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Spring run off in the Okanagan: children’s safety
Swim Tips Water Safety

Spring run off in the Okanagan: children’s safety

Understanding Spring Runoff Spring runoff refers to the period in spring when snow and ice begin to melt, resulting in...
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3 reasons to use positive language in swim lessons
Swim Tips

3 reasons to use positive language in swim lessons

“My child has FAILED Salamander”. We have heard that word "failed" from time to time from both parents and students.  We...
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Swimmer’s Ear
Water Safety

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is often caused by...
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Bedtime advice from a Swim Instructor & Naturopathic Doctor 
Uncategorized

Bedtime advice from a Swim Instructor & Naturopathic Doctor 

Bedtime can be difficult for both the parents and the children! It can be a battle! Sleep is extremely important...
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Swim Tips

Is Dog Paddle for Dogs? Donna says YES!

Hey, do you teach dog paddle? First of all, hay is for horses and dog paddle is for dogs! So...
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Uncategorized

Conquering the fear of water

I am Shreelatha, am 30 yrs old, moved recently to Kelowna. I have been scared of water since my childhood,...
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Uncategorized

Backyard Pool Parties – what to do with no lifeguard on duty

Backyard pool parties are a fun way to cool off and enjoy the summer. However, when you decide to host...
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3 tips for water safety in young children

Water safety is an important topic for parents and caregivers to consider when it comes to their children. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five, and it is important to take steps to ensure that children are safe when they are near or in the water. In this article, we will discuss the importance of three key factors in water safety for children: learning to swim, having supervision, and respecting the water. By following these guidelines, we can help keep children safe and prevent accidental drownings.

  1. Learning to swim is an important water safety skill for children. Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity, but it is also a crucial survival skill. Children who know how to swim are better equipped to handle unexpected situations in the water, such as falling into a pool or being caught in a strong current. It is important to enroll children in swim lessons at an early age to give them the skills and confidence they need to stay safe in the water.
  2. Supervision is key to water safety for children. Even if a child knows how to swim, they should always be supervised when they are in or near the water. Accidents can happen quickly, and it is important to have an adult present who can respond if a child gets into trouble. Children should also be taught to never swim alone and to always have a buddy with them when participating in water activities.
  3. It is important for children to respect the water. Children should be taught to never run or horseplay near the water, as this can increase the risk of accidents. They should also be taught to never jump or dive into water unless they know it is deep enough and free of obstacles. By teaching children to respect the water, we can help them stay safe and avoid dangerous situations.

Action Steps

  1. Enroll children in swim lessons at an early age. This will give them the skills and confidence they need to stay safe in the water.
  2. Always supervise children when they are in or near the water. Accidents can happen quickly, and it is important to have an adult present who can respond if a child gets into trouble.
  3. Teach children to respect the water. This includes never running or horseplaying near the water, never jumping or diving into water unless it is deep enough and free of obstacles, and never swimming alone. By teaching children to respect the water, we can help them stay safe and avoid dangerous situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water safety is an important topic for parents and caregivers to consider when it comes to their children. By taking steps such as enrolling children in swim lessons, always supervising them when they are in or near the water, and teaching them to respect the water, we can help keep children safe and reduce the risk of accidental drownings. It is also important to make sure that any pool or spa in the home is properly fenced and has a safety cover to prevent accidental falls. By following these guidelines, we can help ensure that children have a fun and safe time in the water.