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.
How to enjoy it safely!
The Lifesaving Society wishes to inform you that hygiene and physical distancing standards are the same in a swimming pool as in a grocery store. Although the risk of transmission through swimming water is generally considered low, the main risk of COVID-19 transmission in residential pools (and other locations) remains close proximity to an infected person, whether in or out of the water. It is therefore essential to maintain a distance of 2 metres, even between swimmers, and to wash your hands regularly when you are outside the pool.
“Since beach vacations have been cancelled this year, Quebecers have resigned themselves to spending their summer in their backyards. And with a 40% increase in pool sales according to the Quebec Pool Dealers Association (APCQ), the Lifesaving Society wants to warn people and remind them of the importance of safe and supervised swimming,” pleads Raynald Hawkins, Executive Director of the Lifesaving Society.
During this time when balancing work and family life is a reality for many Quebecers, we remind you that a child should never go to the pool alone and swimming should always be supervised by a constant adult. The Lifesaving Society therefore recommends designating a "designated lifeguard" to supervise children, especially when several families are together, and rotating adults to ensure constant supervision. A few minutes of inattention is all it takes for a child to drown. Playing with children in the water means keeping an eye on them while having fun!
To ensure compliance with outdoor pool regulations, the Lifesaving Society has made a self-assessment test available to current and prospective owners of residential pools. By completing this test, available at baignadeparfaite.com, pool owners can determine if their installation meets safety standards. If it does not, they can make the necessary changes to ensure safety before the start of the summer season: fencing and railings, gate fixings and safety devices, required distances for installing the filtration system and pipes, etc.
The Lifesaving Society is working hard, in collaboration with its aquatic partners and health authorities, to put in place safety measures to allow Quebecers to enjoy the water safely.
Source: Anne-Marie Francoeur, Head of Communications and Public Relations
Telephone: 514-252-3100, extension 3737 or 1-800-265-3093 - Email: amfrancoeur@sauvetage.qc.ca
