Photo courtesy of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit
Water safety
Adapted by Nila Gopaul
Level 3
June 2010
Each year in BC, about 43 people drown.
You drown if your lungs fill with water
and you cannot breathe.
Where do people drown?
- In swimming pools,
- in natural waters such as rivers, lakes and oceans, and
- in bathtubs.
Always have an adult watch babies and children
around water.
Babies and small children can drown in 2.5 cm of water.
Photo: iStockphoto
50% of children who drown are alone. No one is there to help.
Photo: iStockphoto
Take swimming lessons.
Photo: iStockphoto
Other swimming safety tips:
- Have a first aid kit and a telephone with you.
- Make sure you have lifejackets for everyone.
- Be your child’s lifeguard.