How to keep your family safe in the water this summer

Saskatchewan has seen five water-related deaths this month.

The founder and CEO of K&K Swim School, Kaylee Kennedy, shared with 650CKOM her tips on how to keep others safe in and around water.

“The water will always win, so if we can learn how to work with the water to play and be safe – it is a much more enjoyable experience.”

Kennedy expressed it is important for everyone how to swim.

“Swimming is non-negotiable for a lot of parents… swimming is an education piece.”

Kennedy suggested families start introducing water safety as young as three weeks old.

“Water is not scary, and it doesn’t have to be dangerous,” said Kennedy. “Coming from the womb, as crazy as it sounds, is probably the best time to start teaching yourself and your child how to breathe and be around water.”

Kennedy said when families are at a public pool it is important to keep an eye on your children at all times.

“When you are swimming with your kids, you have to be swimming within an arm’s length away. You don’t necessarily have to be using a flotation device when you are with your children in the water,” said Kennedy.

Parents should stay in an area where they can comfortably touch the pool ground and children ask every time before entering the water.

Kennedy explained lifeguards are watching so many people, it is important parents put any phones or books away and stay focused on their child while swimming or walking around the pool.

Another tip given was to make sure backyard pools have proper fencing or an alarm system so there is no way for a child to get into the water without a parent knowing.

When it comes to the lake, Kennedy shared it is super important for adults to be responsible around and in the water.

“A lot of adults think they’re invincible… When you are on the lake or you’re boating, you’re wearing a life jacket (and) you’re not drinking and boating,” said Kennedy.

“Having a buddy system if you are an adult. Make sure you have another adult that is present with you so that you’re not swimming alone if something were to happen,” Kennedy said.

Lastly, Kennedy explained above all else, everyone should know CPR.

“Accidents happen, it doesn’t take very long for an individual to drown and you don’t want the cause or the reason that there’s a fatality to be because you don’t know CPR.”

K&K Swim School lessons are taught in both Saskatchewan and Alberta.