Here are some tips to stay safe with water activities this summer:

The Canadian Red Cross offers the following safety tips to prevent water related injuries and deaths: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=18499&tid=024.

• When boating, ensure everyone in the boat has their properly fitted lifejacket on and fastened.
• Do not consume alcohol before or during swimming or boating activities.
• Be cautious about swimming in currents, and know what to do if you get into trouble.
• Get trained through swimming and water safety lessons. Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card if you operate a boat. Know how to respond in an emergency by taking first-aid lessons.
• Ensure children are supervised, whether at home or on vacation. Adult supervision is the best protection for children – even for those who can swim.
• Ensure that your backyard pool is fully fenced with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• When not using your home pool, clear all toys out of the water and away from the edge. These can often tempt children to the water’s edge.
• Ensure you have emergency equipment including a first aid kit and a phone in the immediate pool area.

Courtesy of Emergency Management BC