A national advocacy group is urging people to take proper safety precautions before beating the heat with a swim.
The President of Parachute Canada, Pamela Fuselli, says there is an uptick in drowning deaths during the summer months.
She says those aged 65 and older account for most drownings, but when it comes to children, most deaths happen while they’re not under proper supervision.
Fuselli says children are at risk of drowning in as little as 2.5 cm of water and things can take a turn in the blink of an eye.
“It isn’t like it is on TV. It’s quiet and they [parents] often don’t hear their child in trouble.”
On top of proper supervision, she urges swimmers to ditch the water wings and floaties for a proper lifejacket.
She says anything other than a certified personal flotation device or lifejacket is not recommended and offers a false sense of security.