Pool season comes with major safety concerns

As residents open their pools and many others head to the sandy beaches, water safety experts are reminding the public to take every precaution they can to prevent drownings.

News of a toddler found floating in a backyard pool in Tecumseh this week has put many residents on high alert as the swimming season kicks into full swing.

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The two-year-old boy remains in hospital in critical condition.

Accidents in pools or at beaches can happen to anyone in just a short moment, explained Cynthia Cakebread, area chairwoman of the Lifesaving Society.

"Be aware that every child, especially the younger ones, they're mobile, they're curious, they're inquisitive, they're going to look for that access whether or not they're supposed to," she said.

Be vigilant while at the pool

Always keeping an eye out for children is one of the best ways to ensure their safety, say the experts. Tatiana Gray agrees. The Windsor resident says her toddler always wants to wander off.

"At this age, they're very curious," she said. "You want to keep them close at all times."

Other than being vigilant of children, people need to secure access points with fences and locked gates, according to Cakebread.

Windsor has laws that force residents to install a fence around pools. The fence must be more than a metre high with a self-latching gate.

For older children there are programs that will teach them basic swimming lessons as well as what to do when they fall into water.