Last year, Quebec recorded 95 deaths by drowning in the province. A sharp increase from the previous year.

With the popularity of swimming pools still on the rise this year, we urge you to be careful.

It could happen to you

Even if it seems unrealistic to some people, yes, a child can drown in a few inches of water.  All it takes is one moment of distraction for the irreparable to happen.

Christian K., the father of little Frederique, 3 years old, who drowned last year in Montérégie, can attest to this.

It was July 4th and the temperature was hovering around 30 degrees. The child took off her life jacket to go play on the trampoline. It only took a few moments for her to be found lifeless in the swimming pool, which, like the patio, had just been installed. The device to block access to the pool area, that had been purchased 4 days earlier, was unfortunately not yet installed.

Important to know

• Children ages 1 to 4 are most at risk.
• Children can climb on toys, patio furniture and tools to get over the fence and enter the pool.
• Even if they use swimming aids such armbands, floating seats, water wings and neck rings, children should be closely supervised as these devices are not intended to save lives. Swimming aids can give a false sense of security, which could result in a lack of proper supervision.

Consult the complete Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation.

Is your pool safe?

The Lifesaving Society invites you to take the self-evaluation test to find out if your pool is safe.

This summer, make sure your swimming pool is safe for everyone!

Jackie Beaudoin, Leclerc Insurance and Financial Services
Sources :  Government of Canada, Journal de Montréal, Publications Québec, Lifesaving Society