Picking the right flotation device for your child

Each year, Canadians look forward to spending their summers at the beach or relaxing by the pool. While this can be a wonderful way to build lasting memories and enjoy everything that the warm season has to offer, it can also expose people to the risk of drowning.

Whether swimming or boating, Canadians can be susceptible to a range of dangers while out on the open water. Of those who drown while boating, more than 87 percent were not wearing lifejackets or a personal flotation device (PFD) of any kind when they went underwater

This shocking statistic highlights how essential PFDs and lifejackets really are. For children who may not have the water saftety knowledge, swimming skills, strength or endurance that adults do, the threat of drowning can be even more severe, making PFDs a necessary part of any aquatic activity.

Consider these helpful tips to learn more about picking the right PFD for your child.

What to look for
PFDs and lifejackets can provide a layer of support to children and adults in the water, and they may protect them from drowning or other swimming-related incidents.

As one of the most active charity organizations in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is committed to raising awareness of the importance of PFDs and lifejackets, as well as in drowning prevention and water safety.

When it comes to finding the right safety device for your child, determining how well the PFD fits can be one step toward picking up the correct one.

Understanding the differences between PFDs and lifejackets allows you to approach water safety in a more conscientious way as well. PFDs are associated with boating and may be less bulky than lifejackets, which are designed to turn someone who may not be conscious face up in the water.

PFDs may inflate upon contact with the water, and those intended for children should fit snugly and not constrict movement. Those that have a large collar, a rust-proof zipper, safety strips and drawstrings can better protect youth in the water.

In addition, you should consider a child's swimming skill, age and the intended activities in the water before you invest in a lifejacket or PFD.

Make a difference
From water safety programs to nationwide initiatives that help educate others about the risks of drowning and other emergencies, the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to responding to the humanitarian needs of individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

If you want to make a difference, you should consider showing your support for the Canadian Red Cross. Each contribution made helps to address the urgent needs of those impacted by adversity as well as those living in vulnerable communities.

Please donate online or contact your local Canadian Red Cross office to learn more about how you can assist today.