One of the most enjoyable ways to cool down in the summer heat is to have a dip in a backyard or community pool. Swimming is a very popular family activity in Ontario, enjoyed by people of all ages, and in most cases, is a safe and healthy way of being active during the summer season.

However, it is very important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with pool activities. The Canada Safety Council notes that drowning is a leading cause of preventable injury and eath in children under 10 in Canada, and 60% of drownings occur between May and August (Canadian Red Cross).

Whether it is a wading pool, public pool or private pool, safety measures should be put in place to protect all users.  Below are a few tips for pool safety that can help protect you and your loved ones.

1. Never leave children unattended.  Always ensure that your full attention is on their activities in and around the pool.  Drowning can happen in seconds and a child can drown in just a few centimeters of water.
2. Be mindful of your alcohol intake.  Being intoxicated in an area that has gallons of water can be a recipe for disaster.  Alcohol blocks the brain’s ability to control breathing and heart rate and can easily lead to death, even for experienced swimmers.
3. If you or your child cannot swim, ensure that a life vest is worn in and around the pool to lessen the chance of drowning.  Even with the wearing of a life vest, supervision is still required for children.
4. Ensure that all pool chemicals are securely locked away and not accessible to anyone, especially children and pets.
5. Discuss “pool rules” with everyone who will be participating in its use.  Ensure that everyone is aware of the safe manner they should be engaging in when in the pool.
6. You should only dive if you are 100% certain that the water is deep enough.
7. Keep the immediate area around the pool dry or installed with slip resistant surfaces.
8. Consider learning First Aid and CPR.
9. Ensure your children have swimming lessons, so they become strong swimmers.

It is not only private citizens who should keep pool safety in mind.  Business owners who offer access to pool activities to the public should be aware of the ramifications if their employees are negligent or if there is an unsafe condition on their property that leads to injury or death.

In 2012, there was a terrible incident at a St. Catherines Lion Dunc Pool, which impacted over one hundred and eighty people.  An employee for a pool maintenance company who was servicing the pool that day accidentally poured chlorine into a tank of acid.  This created a toxic cloud that quickly spread through the entire area.  In response, a ten million dollar class action suit was filed against the city and the business responsible for servicing the pool.

In another incident, which occurred this year, an eighteen-year-old employee had to be hospitalized at a local pool in Ottawa South.  It was reported that the Ottawa Paramedic Service was requested at the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club’s swimming pool after the accident.  Apparently a piece of equipment malfunctioned and caused a chemical to leak into the pool area.  The young lady was unconscious when medical assistance arrived and details of her medical state were not released.

Pool safety is extremely important and we at Burn Tucker Lachaîne urge everyone to be aware of precautions that should be taken to keep loved ones, guests, and all pool users safe. We hope everyone enjoys a healthy, happy and safe summer.

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