Parents should avoid these common life-jacket mistakes
The Weather Network shares some life-saving tips every parent needs to know before their kids go near the water.
You finally made it! You're at the beach, your kids are ready to run into the water.
But, wait, every year Canadian parents are making these three life-jacket mistakes.
"The first mistake is having a life-jacket that does not fit right," said Stephanie Bakalar, senior communications officer at Lifesaving Society Ontario.
Ensure your child's weight is appropriate for the life vest you are choosing. The fit should be snug with every zipper, and the buckle should be securely fastened.
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The second mistake is a life-jacket that is too old and no longer buoyant.
"You are going to take it and submerge it in the water. Let it get nice and wet. You should hold it down there for a couple of minutes. Once you have done that, you are going to check to make sure it's nice and buoyant. Then put it on, and have a float in the shallow water," said Bakalar.
Parents should make sure there are no rips and that all zippers and clips are still working.
The final mistake parents make is not setting an example for their child.
(Felix Serre/Unsplash)
According to Transport Canada, only 34 per cent of recreational boaters wear a life-jacket while out on the water.
"Sitting on your life-jacket is not going to help you in an accident. That is the same idea as trying to put your seatbelt on after you have been in a car accident. It's not going to happen," said Bakalar.
A final thing to remember...puddle jumpers are not life-jackets.
Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images/Image Source/56965106-170667a.