Water safety training benefits people every day

Thousands of people throughout Canada will be heading to swimming pools, ocean beaches, lake shores and rivers in order to take a dip and cool off this summer season. While there is certainly plenty of fun to be had splashing in the water during this time of year, summer can also be one of the most dangerous times in terms of drownings and other water-related incidents. Children, teenagers and adults all need to take special precautions to ensure their own safety and that of people around them when spending a day enjoying the water. By learning about and practicing fundamental water safety tips, Canadians can do their part to help their communities and neighbourhoods.

As one of Canada's leading non-profit organizations, the Canadian Red Cross is well-versed in the necessary requirements for water safety education initiatives as well as a number of other essential programs designed to assist people in need at home and around the world. The Canadian Red Cross is prepared to handle a variety of emergencies and disasters ranging from world health crises to natural disasters, mass migrations and similar situations both at home and abroad. In addition to these vital services, the Canadian Red Cross works to promote greater youth education initiatives and reduce instances of domestic violence and abusive relationships. The Red Cross' diverse teams of dedicated staff members and trained volunteers help make these programs a reality in Canada and around the world.

Canadian Red Cross water safety training survival story
Keely McBride, the first aid and water safety manager for the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan, was sitting by the phone when she suddenly received a frantic call from one of her most experienced water safety instructor-trainers. The Red Cross staff member's daughter had just been involved in a car accident on her way to work at a local swimming pool. While driving down the road, the girl's car was instantly swept off the road by a flash flood and dumped upside-down into a water-filled ditch on the side of the road.

Luckily, in addition to being a certified lifeguard, the daughter had received extensive water safety training as part of the Red Cross Swim and Instructor Development Program. These experiences allowed the girl to think of a way out of her submerged vehicle quickly by staying in control, immediately unbuckling her seatbelt and freeing herself from the car in order to swim to the surface.The girl's mother told McBride that it was due to her experience and Red Cross training that she was able to survive.

Individuals can learn a great deal from the Canadian Red Cross' water safety initiatives, such as the reality of holding one's breath underwater for a prolonged period of time. Knowing how the body and mind can react underwater with limited oxygen during an emergency situation can help people improve their chances of survival. Considering that drowning incidents can occur in less than 15 centimetres of water, this is essential information for staying safe while swimming.

Red Cross water safety programs can also provide important tips on how to reduce the chances of infants and toddlers drowning. For example, people can learn about the benefits of investing in the right fences and gating around a backyard swimming pool and proper swimming techniques for children.

The Canadian Red Cross depends on the assistance of people like you in order to keep water safety and other programs strong. Please donate today to help make a difference in Canada and in communities across the globe.