The Rocca Sisters Blog

With summer finally at our doors buyers are increasingly interested in homes that feature a stunning patio or outdoor pool.

It’s great to note that pool inspections can be conducted the same way a home inspection is. Professional pool companies can look at your pool in detail and give an overall report so you can purchase a home with peace of mind knowing upfront of any issues that will need to be repaired.

If spending time in the water is at the top of your wish list it’s important to also be aware and share Water Smart® choices with your friends and family.

July 19-15 was National Drowning Prevention Week. “The event increases awareness, across Canada, of the need for drowning prevention. It also aims to promote awareness [and] reinforces the identity of the Lifesaving Society as experts in the field of drowning prevention…” Below are some Water Smart® Tips provided by the Lifesaving Society.
Water Smart® tips for parents  About drowning

• Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years.
• Almost 500 people drown each year in Canada.
• Children 1-4 years are at high-risk
• Drowning is a fast and silent killer. It can happen in as little as 10 seconds. Victims rarely call, wave or signal for help because they can’t keep their heads above water.
• Over half of child drowning victims are alone.

Parents, you are your child’s lifeguard

• Keep your eyes on young children at all times around water. And stay close – within arms’ reach.
• At the pool or beach, put young children in lifejackets to keep them at the surface. This may give you the seconds needed to save a life.
• Stay tub-side until all the water has drained or you have removed your child from the tub.
• Restrict and control access to backyard pools by fencing all four sides.
• Empty and turn over wading pools and buckets of water when not in use.
• Take Parent & Tot lessons at your local pool. A positive introduction to water can give
• your child a lifetime of pleasure swimming. Toddlers get used to the water with their parents in an instructional setting.
• Enroll your children ages 5-12 in swimming lessons. At a minimum, they should be able to achieve the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive standard – roll into deep water, tread for 1 minute and swim 50 m.
• Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards. Ensure vigilant adult supervision in areas without lifeguards. In the backyard pool, designate an adult to be “on guard”.
• Insist your children always swim with a buddy, never alone.
• Make it a rule that weak or non-swimmers must wear lifejackets.
• Get the training. Ensure that family members learn lifesaving skills.

For more tips on preparing your home for the warmer weather contact us at the Rocca Sisters & Associates office directly at 905-335-4102 or by email at info@roccasisters.ca.

You can also visit the Lifesaving Society® www.lifesaving.org for more information on courses and lifesaving awareness events in your community.