Water Smart® Parents

Water Smart Parenting

Water Smart Parenting.

Anytime. Anywhere.

Learn how to be a Water Smart parent – in any season, during any activity, in any location.

Water Smart in the Backyard Pool

The backyard pool is a great place to make family memories. Make the most of your time together in the pool with these tips.

Before Swimming

  • Restrict access to the pool when not in use by installing:
    • four-sided fencing
    • self-latching gates
    • gate and/or door alarms
  • Use the Society’s Backyard Pool Safety Inspections Guidelines with the Backyard Pool Checklist to make sure your pool is safe.
  • Create and review pool rules as a family. Pool rules should include things like:
    • We only use the pool with a grown up
    • We always swim with a buddy
    • We stay within arms’ reach of our grown ups
    • We go feet first into shallow water
    • We wear lifejackets
  • Have lifejackets of different sizes on hand for guests.
  • Hire a lifeguard for pool parties.
  • Learn to swim, and take first aid and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to rescue yourself and others.

While Swimming

  • Actively supervise children around water.
  • Always swim with a buddy – no matter your age, no one should swim alone.
  • Use lifejackets, not water wings, inflatable rings or pool noodles – these can deflate or float away.
  • Assign someone to watch the water and be “on guard” when children are swimming.
  • Before you look away from the water assign someone to take over the supervision role.

At a Pool Party

A pool party can be a fun way to enjoy the company of family and friends on a hot summer day. In addition to the tips listed above, here are some things to consider if you’re attending a pool party:

  • Always attend pool parties with your children.
  • Bring lifejackets with you.
  • Actively supervise children in the pool at all times, be clear about who is “On Guard.”
  • Stay within arms’ reach.
  • Make sure there are enough adults to properly supervise the number children.

Water Smart in the Backyard

The backyard is a fun place to cool off during the warmer months. Little ones love splashing about in a kiddie pool, water table and the sprinkler! Don’t let the comfort of your yard give you false sense of security. Drowning can happen in just inches of water.

Kiddie Pools and Water Tables

  • Always actively supervise kids around kiddie pools and water tables.
  • Stay in the yard with the kids at all times.
  • Drain all pools and water tables when not in use.
  • Flip pools and water tables on their side or upside down so they don’t fill with rain water.

Water Smart Bath Time

The bathtub is a great time to bond with your little ones, sing songs and practice water skills like blowing bubbles and getting faces wet. It’s also a great place to talk to your kiddos about water safety.

Bathtubs

  • Stay tub-side. Actively supervise children while they’re in the bath.
  • Always drain bathtubs after use.
  • Use a baby bathtub until your child can sit up on their own. Bath seats and rings are not recommended as they may flip or detach and force your child under the water.

Water Smart at the Beach 

Before You Go

  • Swim where the lifeguards are. Less than 1% of drownings occur in lifeguard supervised settings.
  • Stay between the flags.
  • Bring lifejackets for everyone.
  • If it’s inflatable, it’s not for the beach. Inflatables can give a false sense of security and bring you out over your head in the water.

At the Beach

  • Check the water conditions and plan accordingly. Check for posted signage and flags. Be aware of:
    • Drop offs
    • Sandbars
    • Slippery rocks
    • Rough water
    • Cold water
  • Actively supervise children at the beach.
  • Stay within arms’ reach at all times. Even when children are playing at the water’s edge, if you’re not within arms’ reach you’ve gone too far.
  • Make sure there are enough adults to properly supervise the number of children.
  • Learn to swim, and take first aid and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to rescue yourself and others.

Water Smart on Vacation

No vacation would be complete with spending time on the water, on the beach or in the pool. Before you head out to the airport or get in the car consider the following to ensure your vacation is Water Smart!

Before your trip

  • Research local water conditions, currents, marine life and rules.
  • Inquire about access to properly fitting, approved lifejackets or PFDs for all your family members. If there is any doubt about access to correctly fitting lifejackets, bring your own.
  • Learn to swim, and take first aid and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to rescue yourself and others.

During your trip

  • Whenever possible swim in lifeguard supervised areas.
  • Always swim with a buddy – never swim alone.
  • Pay close attention to children when in or near the water – stay within arms’ reach!
  • Assign an adult to be On Guard.
  • Stay in the designated swimming areas. If you are not sure where they are, ask the lifeguard or officials in the area.
  • Always wear a lifejacket when boating or participating in water recreational activities.
  • If you are planning to participate in recreational water activities – know the risks and follow the rules.

Water Smart at the Cottage

A relaxing vacation at the cottage – campfires, lawn games and lots of time on the dock, playing in the sand, in the water and out on boats. What could be better? A little preparation for the trip to the cottage will ensure your time away is Water Smart.

Before You Go

  • Know the aquatic environment and water conditions of the area. Do you have dock access only? What is the depth of the water? Do you have beach access?
  • Plan for safety and fun – ensure that you have properly fitting, approved lifejackets or PFDs suitable for the water sports and activities you are planning to participate in.
  • Are you planning on using watercraft? Motorboats, PWCs, canoes, paddleboards, etc.? Review the requirements for watercraft in Canada and ensure you are prepared to follow the rules. Get your PCO card – your Pleasure Craft Operator certification.

At the cottage

  • Restrict access to the water – always know how your children can get to the water and establish layers of protection to prevent them from getting access to it.
  • Establish rules to be followed when outside the cottage and around the water.
  • Assign an adult to be On Guard.
  • Always stay “within arms’ reach.” It’s not enough to be nearby on the dock reading a book while your child is playing near or in the water. If you’re not “within arms’ reach” you’ve gone too far.
  • Ensure children always wear a lifejacket or PFD when playing near the water.
  • Ensure that everyone wears a lifejacket or PFD when out on the boat.
  • Carefully supervise the use of inflatables.
  • Keep a buoyant aid nearby.
  • Always swim sober.

Water Smart on the Dock

From enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the sunrise, to jumping off the dock in the afternoon with your kids and moving your boats in and out as water activities happen; the dock is often the centre of activity, a gathering place with lots going on. Keeping a few things in mind will ensure that your time on the dock is always Water Smart.

Before You Go

  • Ensure your dock is in good condition.
  • Clean the dock often to prevent slippery surfaces.
  • Know the depth around the dock. Ensure the water is deep enough and there are no obstacles under the surface before you jump or dive in.
  • Ensure there is a way to exit from the water.
  • Boats and swimmers don’t mix. Ensure that you have designated areas for swimming and boats.
  • Learn to swim, and take first aid and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to rescue yourself and others.
  • Practice docking and moving watercraft around the dock.
  • Keep a buoyant aid nearby.

Water Smart on a Houseboat

Renting a houseboat can be a wonderful vacation experience. Travelling on one of Canada’s many lakes, rivers and waterways can be both relaxing and exciting. As you get ready for your holiday on the water, keep the following in mind to stay Water Smart.

Before you go

On the houseboat

Water Smart at the Public Pool

Before You Go

  • Make sure there are enough adults to properly supervise the number of children.
  • Bring lifejackets.
  • Review the pool rules with your children before getting to the pool.
  • Learn to swim, and take first aid and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to rescue yourself and others.

At the Pool

  • Actively supervise children – lifeguards are supervising everyone, they are not solely responsible for your children, you are.
  • Stay within arms’ reach at all times.

Water Smart at the Waterpark

Before You Go

  • Make sure there are enough adults to properly supervise the number of children.
  • Bring lifejackets.
  • Review the pool rules with your children before getting to the pool.
  • Learn to swim, and take first aid and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to rescue yourself and others.

At the Waterpark

  • Actively supervise children – lifeguards are supervising everyone, they are not solely responsible for your children, you are.
  • Stay within arms’ reach at all times.
  • Water slides can be disorienting, if possible wear a lifejacket the first few times you slide.

Water Smart Boating

Is there anything quite like being out on the open water? Enjoy your time boating as a family by being prepared and planning ahead for a safe trip. Visit StartBoating.ca for how-to tips and videos in multiple languages.

Power Boating

Before You Go

On the Boat

  • Have everyone on board wear a properly fitting, Canadian Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
  • Carry a cell phone or VHF radio.
  • Obey all signs and buoys – especially around dams and hydroelectric facilities.
  • Don’t speed. Drive power boats responsibly.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are a classic Canadian tradition. Use these tips to join in the fun as a Water Smart family.

Before you Go

On the Water

  • Wear your lifejacket or PFD. After you fall off (possibly injuring yourself) is not the time to try and get your lifejacket or PFD on.
  • Always paddle with a buddy. Never paddle alone.
  • Wear a leash. If you fall off your board, this will keep it with you.
  • Watch the weather and water conditions and ensure you can get back to safety.
  • Alcohol and paddling don’t mix. Save the drinks for when you are safely back on land.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle boarding, also known as SUP, is a popular water sport. You use a paddle to move yourself forward while standing or kneeling on your board. SUP is a great fun that has a wide range of activities associated with it. A little preparation can ensure that you have a wonderful Water Smart experience out on the water.

Before You Go

On the Water

  • Wear your lifejacket or PFD. After you fall off (possibly injuring yourself) is not the time to try and get your lifejacket or PFD on.
  • Always paddle with a buddy. Never paddle alone.
  • Wear a leash. If you fall off your board, this will keep it with you.
  • Watch the weather and water conditions and ensure you can get back to safety.
  • Alcohol and paddling don’t mix. Save the drinks for when you are safely back on land.

Water Smart Water Sports

Waterskiing, Wakeboarding and Tubing

Tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding are great ways to have fun on the water for everyone. But these are not activities that can be done without preparation. There are skills needed by the boat driver, the spotter and the participants to ensure safety. Being prepared before you go will ensure everyone is Water Smart!

Before You Go

  • Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
  • Be weather-wise – check multiple marine forecasts.
  • Be prepared. Check the condition of your boat, pack all required equipment and ensure you have sufficient fuel.
  • Ensure you have proper fitting, Canadian Coast Guard approved lifejackets or PDFs for everyone who will be on the trip.
  • Be aware of water regulations. Follow the rules of the water.
  • Know your equipment. Follow the manufactures recommendations for use – size, weight, number of riders, age limits and maximum towing speeds.
  • Know your riders. Use common sense when it comes to your riders, especially when they are small children. How to drive and play should be age and skill dependent.
  • Use a spotter. One person should be on board as a spotter to keep a look out for accidents or if a rider has fallen. The spotter should be the go between for the driver and the riders.
  • Ensure there are enough legal seats on the boat for the driver, spotter and riders.
  • Ensure the riders, spotter and driver know the hand signals.
    • Rider holds arm up and makes a loop: “Let’s go around again.” 
    • Rider slices hand across neck: “Let’s stop.” 
    • Pointing left or right: “Go right/left.” 
    • Thumbs up/down: Speeding up and slowing down. 
    • OK gesture (thumb to index finger, other fingers extended): Current situation is just right. 
    • Patting head: “Get me back in the boat.” 
    • Arms circling, fingertips touching over the head: “I’m OK.” 
  • Learn to swim, and take first aid and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to rescue yourself and others.

While on the Water

  • Know the weather and water conditions. Conditions on the water can change quickly. Always check the weather before you go and ensure you are watching carefully for changes in conditions.
  • Wear properly fitting Canadian Coast Guard approved lifejackets or PFDs.
  • Check before you start. Is your equipment ready? Are you riders ready? Is your spotter ready? Double check before you start to drive.
  • Drive responsibly. Take care, watch for boat traffic and swimmers.
  • Use caution when towing more than one rider. Tow ropes can tangle, waves and wake can move riders unexpectedly.
  • Handle wakes with care. Slow the boat when crossing wakes. Bouncing off a wake can cause injuries to the riders.
  • Take great care when circling to pick up a fallen rider. Remember that waves, currents and winds can move your boat unexpectedly.

Windsurfing

Capturing the winds and mastering the waves on a windsurfer can be an exhilarating experience. But just like sailing, there is a lot to learn and know before you jump on your board for the day. Take the time to learn and prepare to ensure you are Water Smart.

Before You Go

While on the Water

  • Wear your lifejacket or PFD. After you fall off (possibly injuring yourself) is not the time to try and get your lifejacket or PFD on.
  • Always go with a buddy. Never windsurf alone.
  • Alcohol and windsurfing don’t mix. Leave the drinking for when you are on land.
  • Watch the weather, wind and water conditions carefully. Things can change quickly out on the water and you want to ensure that you can get back to safety when needed.

Water Smart in Any Season

Water safety isn’t just important in the summer months. Even though you may have no intention of going in the water, there is a need to be aware and stay Water Smart all year round.

Winter

To enjoy all that the cold and snow can bring during the winter months, it is important to keep ice safety and water safety top of mind.

Be Ice Smart

  • Keep away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice.
  • Avoid travelling on ice at night – clear hard ice is the only kind of ice recommended for travel.
  • If you must venture onto the ice, wear a thermal protection buoyant suit to increase your chances of survival if you fall through. If you do not have one, wear a lifejacket/PFD over an ordinary snowmobile suit or layered winter clothing.
  • Avoid slushy ice, thawed ice that has recently refrozen, layered or rotten ice caused by sudden temperature changes, and ice near moving water (i.e., rivers or currents).
  • Never go on the ice alone; a buddy may be able to rescue you or go for help if you get into difficulty.
  • Before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.
  • Assemble a small personal safety kit no larger than the size of a small wallet to carry with you. The kit should include a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocketknife, compass and whistle. You should also carry ice picks, an ice staff, a rope and a cell phone.

Learn more about ice safety.

Spring

Birds are chirping, flowers are popping up and the world is waking up after its long winter nap. You and your family are out and about, exploring and enjoying the sunshine that has finally joined us again after a long winter.

As you venture out to parks and outdoor areas, or start opening your backyard pool, remember to ensure you are being Water Smart.

At this time of year, warming temperatures create two main water safety concerns: 

  • Falling through weak ice into extremely cold water.
  • Slipping from the banks of moving waterways made unstable by melting ice and snow and rapidly rising water levels.

Summer

The sun is calling everyone outside to play and who can resist? Time with family and friends around the backyard pool, at the cottage, picnicking and playing at the park or out on the water are all great ways to spend your days. As you plan out your summer adventures always remember to be Water Smart.

Fall

Cooler nights and campfires, falling leaves, long walks and hikes – we are clinging to remains of summer and enjoying time outside. While you may not have intentions of going in the water, always remember to keep a eye out and be Water Smart.

Water Smart® Parents

Creating safer, happier families.

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