How to Stay Safe While Enjoying It
Montreal, May 22, 2020 – Quebec is slowly easing its lockdown measures, and the government's announcements regarding the gradual reopening of businesses and the resumption of sports, recreation, and outdoor activities are welcome news for Quebecers. Now that small gatherings of up to 10 people from fewer than 3 different households will be permitted starting this Friday, May 22, the Lifesaving Society expects homeowners with BBQs, backyards, and residential pools to have visitors over the weekend. However, the Society wishes to remind everyone of the importance of respecting government requirements, adopting safe practices around residential pools, and ensuring that their pools are compliant with regulations.
The Lifesaving Society would like to remind the public that the same hygiene and physical distancing guidelines apply at the pool as they do at the grocery store. Although the risk of COVID-19 transmission through pool water is generally considered low, the primary risk of transmission in residential pools, as in other settings, remains close contact with an infected person, whether in or out of the water. It is therefore essential to maintain a distance of 2 metres from others, including fellow swimmers, and to wash your hands regularly when outside the pool.
“With seaside vacations being cancelled for many this year, Quebecers have resigned themselves to spending the summer in their own backyards. And with pool sales up 40%, according to the Quebec Pool Retailers Association (APCQ), the Lifesaving Society wants to remind everyone of the importance of safe and supervised swimming,” said Raynald Hawkins, Executive Director of the Lifesaving Society.
At a time when balancing remote work and family life has become a reality for many Quebecers, it is important to remember that children should never be able to access the pool on their own and that swimming should always be supervised by a responsible adult. The Lifesaving Society recommends appointing a “designated lifeguard” to watch over children, especially when several families gather together, and rotating supervision duties among adults to ensure continuous vigilance. It only takes a few moments of inattention for a child to drown. Playing with children in the water means keeping a watchful eye on them while having fun.
To help ensure safe backyard pool installations, the Lifesaving Society has made a self-assessment tool available to current and future residential pool owners. By completing the assessment available at baignadeparfaite.com, pool owners can determine whether their installation meets safety standards. If deficiencies are identified, they can make the necessary adjustments before the start of the swimming season, including fencing and railings, door safety devices and locks, and proper placement of filtration systems and piping.
The Lifesaving Society continues to work closely with aquatic partners and public health authorities to implement safety measures that allow Quebecers to enjoy the water safely and responsibly.
Source: Anne-Marie Francoeur, Communications and Public Relations Manager
Phone: 514-252-3100, ext. 3737 or 1-800-265-3093 - Email: amfrancoeur@sauvetage.qc.ca
