A perfect storm is brewing. We are talking about the upcoming pool season, and it will a riskier one than we’ve become accustomed to. Because of the covid19 pandemic, two additional risk factors will be introduced in the 2020 pool season. Parents take note, as you will need to be extra vigilant this summer.
A little background first: drowning remains the leading cause of preventable deaths for young kids (5 years and younger). According to the Quebec Lifesaving Society’s 2019 drowning report, going back to 2007 Quebec has experienced between 67-92 drowning deaths each year, 6% of which are children 4 years and younger.
An astounding 87% of children’s drowning deaths cases were the result of absent or distracted supervision. Put simply, no one saw them drown. Drowning is a silent killer, and can take as little as 20 seconds.
Think about how often you pick up your phone absentmindedly, see a message or catchy post, and engage your attention in on your screen for just a few moments. This happens to each of us all the time. This as long as it takes for drowning to occur, also the same amount of time to run inside and grab something, go into the shed, etc.
Pool season has arrived, and as a direct result of covid19, there are 2 additional factors to consider when swimming in your backyard pool this summer:
Working From Home is a Big Distraction
This needs to be repeated: 87% of child drownings were the result of absent or distracted supervision. As tens of thousands of parents quickly discovered, working from home with kids around is the ultimate challenge. It’s a lose-lose: we are more distracted from our kids because of work, and more distracted from our work because of our kids.
Now throw a swimming pool into the equation. Even if parents are sitting poolside, as long as a screen is nearby there will be – for example – the pressure of responding to an email (because technically you’re on the clock). Thus parents will be more inclined to be distracted.
Remember that proper supervision is either direct (eyes on at all times) or active (in water with them). When it comes to young kids or any kids who are not yet comfortable and confident swimmers, you need to watch them at all times, period. Not sure if your child is a comfortable confident swimmer? Check our guide here.
Kids Haven’t Been Swimming
When it comes to preparing for summer swimming, spring is like the warm up. Each spring, hundreds if not thousands of kids achieve the big milestone of learning to swim by themselves, going from non-swimmer to swimmer. In anyone’s life, let alone their swimming career, this is a huge achievement where we learn the ability to save ourselves.
Even for older kids who can swim by themselves, like any sport, you can get rusty after months (or in some cases a full year) of practice. Those first few swims might lack the confidence and skill of a practiced swimmer.
Don’t believe me? As of writing this article, today was one of the first days of permitted gatherings (10ppl, outdoors). Hanging with the family (socially distanced) in the backyard pool, my 3 year old niece who is a strong swimmer for her age eagerly and quietly went right into the pool first. She proceeded to flounder, having temporarily forgotten everything she learned and practiced just a few months prior. She was promptly saved by an alert adult, but this goes to show you this can – and will – happen to anyone.
So what can parents do?
Make sure your pool complies with the Residential Pool Safety Act, namely items like a permanent fence of 4’, and a self-closing self-latching date. Essentially, your pool must an impenetrable fortress. Need help? Contact your local swimming pool dealer or look up a fencing expert.
Set designated work and swim times if you have kids and work from home. These times must never overlap, even if you intend to be poolside. When it’s work time, or if no adult is available to actively supervise, the pool is closed.
Establish swimming rules. The big one is that an adult must watch you swim. Also never to swim alone. Other ones can include wearing sunscreen, swimming with a buddy, etc.
Get swimming lessons this summer. Knowing how to swim can save your life. Many swimming lesson options will likely become available this summer, some of which are safer than others. It is anticipated that at-home swim lessons will be in demand, as they will present the lowest risk options.
The Lifesaving Society puts it very well: not one more child should drown. This summer we will have to be extra vigilant given the added risk in an already upside-down world. But if we work together, remain aware of our children and surroundings, we can prevent additional tragedies this summer.
