Did you know?
- Private backyard pools continue to be the primary setting where children 1-4 years of age most often drown.
- Drowning can occur in as little as 10-20 seconds, in only centimetres of water.
- Approximately 30 people drown in backyard pools every year across Canada.
- Children under 5 years of age are the most at risk of drowning in backyard pools. Most drownings occur when the caregiver is not paying attention, even for a second. Parents/Caregivers need to be “On Guard”.
- Adults are also at risk! Adult drownings occur when an adult goes for a swim alone. Adults need to be “Water Smart”.
- A swimming pool enclosure permit is required for every pool and hot tub in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
Drowning is fast. Drowning is silent. Drowning is preventable.
Get your ON GUARD card today!
- The ON GUARD card is designed to help ensure that parents and caregivers are especially vigilant while supervising young children and non-swimmers in or around water
- The plastic card is worn on a lanyard around the neck and provides very specific tips to help parents and caregivers understand their role and supervise as effectively as possible.
- Those who wear the card are responsible for committing 100% of their attention to their role as supervisor and for finding another adult to relieve them if they need to turn their attention away for any reason.
- The card includes the pledge: “People ON GUARD pledge to maintain constant and vigilant supervision until relieved of duty”
Thanks to the joint effort from the Building Division and Community Services, the ON GUARD card is available, free of charge to all Town of BWG residential pool owners. Go to www.bwgleisurecentre.ca/on-guard-card
