{"id":30060,"date":"2025-10-27T13:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T17:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/santinel.com\/summer-safety-preventing-drownings-during-the-sunny-season\/"},"modified":"2025-10-27T13:55:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T17:55:34","slug":"summer-safety-preventing-drownings-during-the-sunny-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.santinel.com\/en\/summer-safety-preventing-drownings-during-the-sunny-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer safety: preventing drownings during the sunny season"},"content":{"rendered":"

If we are lucky enough to enjoy a warm and sunny summer in Qu\u00e9bec, it\u2019s still essential to remain vigilant \u2014 especially when temperatures rise and water activities are planned.<\/p>\n

Every year, National Drowning Prevention Week<\/strong>, which this year runs from July 20 to 26, 2025<\/strong>, reminds us of the importance of foresight and safety during aquatic activities.<\/p>\n

And since accidents don\u2019t just happen to others, Santinel<\/strong> takes this opportunity to share some key safety tips.<\/p>\n

Scenarios to avoid<\/h3>\n

According to the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de sauvetage du Qu\u00e9bec<\/strong><\/a>, which organizes National Drowning Prevention Week, some situations are more likely to lead to unfortunate accidents. While drowning rates have decreased significantly over the past 30 years, certain scenarios continue to occur year after year.<\/p>\n

Lack of supervision<\/strong>
Remember, children are\u2026 children! Full of energy, unaware of risks, and sometimes reckless. Each year, many drownings involve children who slip away from parental supervision to return to the water after swimming has ended, or to retrieve a forgotten toy or ball. It\u2019s important to educate your children about these risks and, above all, stay alert. If you have a pool, ensure compliance with the Regulations on Residential Pool Safety<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Neglected safety equipment<\/strong>
Going out on a boat, pedal boat, kayak, canoe, or pontoon? That\u2019s always fun! However, if wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) feels inconvenient, remember that it\u2019s essential<\/strong> in situations with significant drowning risk. The Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de sauvetage du Qu\u00e9bec notes that flotation devices often stay at the bottom of boats because people didn\u2019t expect to enter the water \u2014 until something unexpected happens, and tragedy strikes.<\/p>\n

Did you know that nearly 70% of drownings in Qu\u00e9bec occur in natural bodies of water<\/strong><\/a>? Keep this in mind and always wear your life jacket!<\/p>\n

Swimming under the influence<\/strong>
Summer also brings parties, celebrations, and long sunny days \u2014 often accompanied by alcohol. Fun is fine, but alcohol makes people reckless and less alert. Many drownings occur when someone attempts a \u201cchallenge\u201d or takes an unnecessary risk. Even seemingly low-risk situations can become dangerous, as alcohol slows reflexes. As the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de sauvetage du Qu\u00e9bec emphasizes, on the water, every drink counts triple<\/strong>. Be responsible adults: avoid lake crossings, high dives, or other challenges involving both swimming and alcohol.<\/p>\n

Safety tips for every situation<\/h3>\n

Each environment comes with its own drowning risks. Here are some safety measures to apply in different contexts:<\/p>\n

Residential pools<\/strong><\/p>\n