School-aged children (5 to 12 years old) still need adult
protection around the water. Drowning is fast and silent, even
among this age group, so supervision and clear boundaries must be
established.
Swim with a buddy - don't go into the water alone or
without an adult present.
Half of drowning victims in this age group are swimming or
playing in the water alone or only with other minors.
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Wear a lifejacket.
Weak and non-swimmers should wear a lifejacket to keep them safe
in the water - especially lakes and rivers where water is cold.
Go to lifeguard supervised pools and
beaches.
For safer play near the water, take children to beaches and
pools supervised by certified lifeguards. Lifeguards do not replace
direct parental supervision but act as an extra layer of
protection.
Tips for parents and caregivers of children 5-12
Download these tips for parents and caregivers of
children 5-12 (English).
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Read these tips in 10 other languages:
French
Arabic
Chinese - Simplified
Chinese - Traditional
Farsi
Hindi
Punjabi
Russian
Tamil
Urdu
Learn to Swim
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any
meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. The Lifesaving
Society offers training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
Our Swim for
Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop
solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water
Smart® education that will last a lifetime.
Swim to
Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. Swim
to Survive is not a subsititute for swimming lessons; instead, it defines the
minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep
water. People of all ages should be able to perform the Society's
Swim to Survive standard.