Ottawa Carleton District School Board

The weather is warmer and the water is inviting. But before anyone dips their toes, it’s important to remember a few safety tips. 

Parents/caregivers:

• Always keep young children within arm’s reach in and around water.
•  Put your phone down and don’t look away. Children require distraction-free supervision.
•  Children or weaker swimmers should wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device in or near water. This includes when playing with floating toys, which can easily drift to deeper water.
•  Model good behaviour. Everyone should wear a lifejacket when boating.
•  Stay sober when swimming or supervising.
•  Teach your child to be safe around water and aware of potential dangers.

Swimmers

• Swim in areas where lifeguards are on duty.
•  Know your limits when swimming
•  Follow all signs and flags (red flags typically mean it’s unsafe to swim).
•  Know the area. Be aware of potential risks like strong currents or deep water.
•  Do not dive in unknown waters. Cautiously enter feet first.
•  Do not swim alone. Swim with others who know how to swim or can supervise.
•  Wear a lifejacket that fits when boating or if you’re a weaker swimmer (approved by Transport Canada)

If there’s trouble, yell for help and dial 911 immediately. If possible, it’s strongly recommended to learn to swim. 

Resources:

• Stay safe around open water: Refugee613 has created a series of simple graphics about basic water safety available in 11 languages.
•  Ottawa Public Health Water Safety PDFs available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Inuktitut, Pashto, Somali, Spanish and Ukrainian
• Life Saving Society of Canada Water Safety