A L'Eau Natation

So true!

WHEN IN DOUBT- CALL FOR HELP!!
Teach kids to TALK,THROW, REACH but NEVER GO!

Drowning is everywhere….

Thanks Shirley forvtjis great tip!

How to get back on your SUP inflatable board How to get on your inflatable Stand Up Paddle after falling off with Dan Gavere.Read more: https://us.star-board.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-back-on-your-sup-i...

These 4 amazing people have worked with me.
As adapted swimmers- TWO have won awards in the special olympics (though I have not coached them)
1 was one of my first students in swimming, and the other was a swimmer of mine through a group.
ALL 4 are water-safey aware, independent and participate in water activities.
YOU CAN BE ADAPATED AND BE ABLE!
If you need help- let us know!

COLD SHOCK RESPONSE -vs- HYPOTHERMIA

When most laypersons think of the dangers of cold water, they assume HYPOTHERMIA is the major problem. In truth, MOST cold water drowning victims are dead long before they become ‘hypothermic’. The “COLD SHOCK RESPONSE” is the real killer.

Hypothermia is defined as a drop in body temperature below 35 °C. or 95’F. (Source: National Institute of Health)
When a human body suddenly enters cold water the cold shock response initiates an immediate gasp response, along with dramatic increase in heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Death may occur in a matter of seconds due to aspirating water into the lungs or electrical disturbances to the heart. (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(03)15057-X/fulltext)

If a person survives the initial few seconds in cold water; PANIC is the next danger. The sympathetic nervous system triggers an acute stress response called the “fight-or-flight” response. Unfortunately, thrashing around in the water will increase oxygen consumption, decrease buoyancy and increase heat loss. All of these increase the chances of a fatal drowning. The body’s reaction is to “FIGHT” when the opposite will increase the possibility of survival. Staying calm and still, will decrease the negative effects of the immersion. If the panic can be controlled, within a minute or two, breathing and heartrate will normalize.

During the next 10 minutes or so, as extremities cool, the person will lose fine motor control and swimming will be a challenge no matter the person’s ability. Without a lifejacket or some other buoyancy aid they will lose the ability to keep their airway out of the water.

IF a person is WEARING a lifejacket, they will keep their airway out of the water until true hypothermia results in their death. This may take up to an hour.

For more information, check out these resources:
https://www.coldwaterbootcamp.com/pages/home.html

https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/cold-water-shock

TODAY’S RIVER SAFETY REMINDER: Pool toys stay by the pool, not in the river

A free-flowing river is no place for pool toys. Unlike a pool that holds water that does not move and is a confined space, the river moves and sometimes the current moves it quickly.

Pool toys – inflatable chairs, loungers, hammocks, large ‘rubber duckies,’ etc. - are not designed for moving rivers. They give a false sense of security and the person using them thinks they’re safe. These toys are light and can move quickly down the river. Made of thin plastic, they can be easily punctured by an unseen underwater obstruction. Deflation can be quick, and the user can be stranded in the river without a floatation device.

You can see where we’re going with the above example. Don’t let this happen to you, your children, or your friends. Instead, invest in a canoe or kayak and enjoy the river in a real water toy.

REMEMBER: As the Lily makes her way down and back up the river, the Captain is very careful to keep a safe distance from other river users to ensure their safety. It’s important that the other users extend that same courtesy – for their own safety - by staying away from The Prairie Lily as she’s moving.

Enjoy the river and have lots of fun but, please, keep a safe distance from the Lily and we’ll do the same for your safety.

I’m honoured to work with Jason Chugh and JMC Distributions ( Vorgee swim accessories) to sponsor the swim caps for the first Lifesaving Sport Club that Shirley and I created over 5 years ago!
Good Luck Hawkesbury Silver Dolphins in your FIRST Ontario Junior Lifesaving Sport Championship!!

SWIMMING LESSONS:

Since March, I have taken the role of Aquatic Coordinator for La Ville de Mont-Tremblant.

Due to lack of instructors, all the swim lessons and private courses offered this summer will be taught by me.

You can contact the Ville de Tremblant directly for more information and to register.

Learning to swim is not a “one class fits all” approach. Some kids take to it faster than others- but that doesn’t mean they all can’t learn how to swim!

Important tips for beginner learners:
1- Kids know STOP-LOOK-ASK before jumping in. That will ensure their safety, as well as them not giving you black eyes.

2- ADULT SUPERVISION! Don’t let kids swim tired. Put pfds on them when they are tired- and SERIOUSLY REPRIMAND them if they take them off themselves! Many drownings happen with kids removing their floatation devices and then jump into the water.

3- Swimming lessons are NOT an option. Yes, they may hate it at first… but it’s like anyone trying a new skill… its new and scary. If group lessons don’t work- then look at privates. Swimming is a life saving skill that everyone needs to know.

4- Learn CPR and rescue techniques. In case of the worst case scenario, all people should know how to remove a person and do CPR.

Need more info? Contact your local pool and talk to drowning prevention advocates in your community!
Be safe out there, everyone!

Don’t forget: When your heart is in the water, your undivided attention should be in the water

Stay safe! Stay smart!
💙, ALIVE Solutions

SUP SAFETY!
Wear your ankle bracelet!
Tell people WHERE you are going, What time you are leaving and When you are coming back.

WHERE A PFD- they will help with hypothermia if you cannot get back on your SUP!
Bring a whistle- if you can’t yell- you can whistle.
Cold water acts fast. Be safe out there!