But maybe, just maybe, we can get the word out and save a few people.

It’s here – the blisteringly hot July weekend. Temperatures projected into the mid-40s (Celsius) with humidity. This will inevitably result in more people swimming, packed-beyond-the-limit public pools, putting strain on lifeguards, resources and infrastructure to the point where the risk of drowning will increase substantially.

ALWAYS WATCH YOUR KIDS. IF YOU ARE AROUND A POOL OR BODY OF WATER, KNOW WHERE YOUR KIDS ARE AT ALL TIMES. BE SMART AND LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.

The hottest July weekends always coincide with the highest occurrences of preventable drownings, both in open water and in residential swimming pools. We’ve already talked about when it is or is not ok to let your kids swim by themselves in the pool.

Here are a few typical instances where risk of drowning will increase, and what you can do about it:

  1. Public swimming pools – will be packed beyond their limit all weekend. This puts a strain on lifeguards, who will already be dealing with the intense heat as they sit in the scorching sun and focus their already-strained efforts on keeping us all safe. Remember: Lifeguards are not babysitters. Lifeguards are not the ones responsible for your safety and the safety of your kids. Their job is to enhance the safety of the pool, but parents are ultimately and fully responsible for their kids. Do not get lulled into a false sense of security because a diligent lifeguard is on chair.
  2. Residential swimming pools – will be utilized more than usual. Here’s a quick refresher on backyard pool safety. Remember that adequate supervision does not mean being in the vicinity of our kids. Sitting poolside playing on your phone? Not ok, drowning is a silent killer. It means actively supervising (eyes on at all times), in fact just get in the water with your kids. Are you at the neighbors, maybe a party where there is a swimming pool? Know at all times where your child is, especially if they are not comfortable, confident swimmers.
  3. Open water – lakes, rivers, ponds. Boaters will be out in full force as cottage life goes into full swing. Wear your life jacket. Never swim alone. Assign someone to be responsible. Take a moment to think about the activity you are about to embark on. Know your limits and those of your children.

ALWAYS WATCH YOUR KIDS. IF YOU ARE AROUND A POOL OR BODY OF WATER, KNOW WHERE YOUR KIDS ARE AT ALL TIMES. BE SMART AND LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.

Almost all incidents of drowning involve one or more of the following factors:

  • inadequate supervision
  • inability to swim, or insufficient swimming skills
  • dangerous activities

Be aware of when these factors are relevant to what you are doing.

Yes, the likelihood is high that someone, in fact several people, will drown this weekend. It makes me sick just writing these words, but it needs to be said. The conversation needs to be louder. Share. Be vigilant. Let’s all be lifeguards for the weekend. And hopefully we can save some lives between now and Monday.

Safe swimming this weekend everyone, and please please please ALWAYS WATCH YOUR KIDS. IF YOU ARE AROUND A POOL OR BODY OF WATER, KNOW WHERE YOUR KIDS ARE AT ALL TIMES. BE SMART AND LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.