Water Safety - Tips for Older Adults & Teens

High Risk Group: Older Adults
Between 2011 and 2015, the highest water-related fatality rates included Baby Boomers (50-64 years of age) and young adults (20-34 years of age). It's important for both age groups to know your limits and know the dangers of being in, on, or around the water. The major risk factors for drowning amoungst adults aged 35 and older include: not wearing a PFD when relevant, being alone, and alcohol consumption. Both cannabis and alcohol affect judgement, balance, and reflexes, all of which are needed in an emergency. No matter what your age, it is important to be accompanied when in, on, or around water. Learn More

High Risk Group: Teens
The drowning death-rate climbs as children enter their teenage years and begin to "push the envelope" with riskier behaviour. Here are three tips to keep either yourself or the teenagers in your life safe. 1) Protect your neck - Spinal injuries can render a teen paralyzed for life. Reduce the risk by entering unknown or shallow water feet-first and refrain from horseplay in a pool or waterfront area. 2) Always swim with a buddy - more than half of 13 to 17 year-old victims were either alone or with another minor when they drowned. 3) Get the training - learn lifesvaing skills so you know what to do if you or someone you know every gets into trouble in or around water. Learn More